Organic blueberry exports surpass 10.500 tons to date

In 2021, Mexico’s total production of blueberries surpassed 70.000 tons. The planted surface and production of the berry increased more than 20% during the last years, according to Blueberries Consulting.  

Today, Mexico’s blueberry industry is facing different challenges such as phytosanitary problems, water supply, labor shortages. Its main focus now is on developing the domestic market and promoting local consumption. 

53% of blueberry plants in Mexico are grown in soil, and the other 47% are cultivated in hydroponics, and the trend will rise in the next few years. This technology enables the production site of 6.000 plants per hectare to obtain from 15 to 18 tons per hectare.  

About 97% of the production (68.300 tons), is exported to 31 destinations, such as the U.S, Japan, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, among others.

Demand for organic production is following the upward trend worldwide. Today, 15% of the blueberry area in Mexico (1.360 hectares) is dedicated to organic production. In the current season, about 10.500 tons of organic blueberries have been already exported, indicates the source. 

About 6% of the total area is dedicated to new varieties this season. 70% of the area is cultivated with the Biloxi variety. Of the remainder, 20% is cultivated with public varieties and 80% with private ones.

source: blueberriesconsulting.com