U.S. blueberry volume is expected to reach about 721 million pounds this year, down a bit from 740.5 million pounds in 2024, according to the Folsom, Calif.-based U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
Michigan, Oregon and Washington will have fruit into September, while California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and North Carolina generally will wind down by June or July, according to USHBC.
“The West Coast — especially Oregon, Washington and British Columbia — saw a booming crop in 2024 after a lighter year in 2023, which allowed plants to store energy,” said Joe Vargas, director of business intelligence. “That surge may leave plants somewhat depleted heading into 2025.”
In the Southeast, Florida had a delayed start this year, but Georgia continues to see production growth from new plantings, he said, and that should support stable volume overall.
“Early indicators point to a solid season across most growing regions,” Vargas said.
Blueberry season is shaping up to be one of the best yet, said Mario Flores, director of supply strategy and analytics for Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms LLC.
“Thanks to ideal weather and growing conditions, we’re delivering premium berries with outstanding size, firm texture and exceptional sweetness — exactly what drives repeat purchases,” he said.
Naturipe will offer consumers exclusive proprietary varieties this season: Rocio (California), Envoy and Keepsake (New Jersey and Michigan), he said.
May 5–26 will be peak season for Naturipe’s organic blueberries out of California, said Brian Vertrees, director of business development.
“While total volumes are down from prior years, there are still promotable volumes available,” he said. “Pricing will be stronger due to the lower volumes.”
Peak weeks in Florida and Georgia on organic blueberries will be May 5–21, he said. Georgia organic blueberries will go through June with steady supplies.
There will be ample supplies of conventional blueberries for summer promotions with good availability from Michigan, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia during the heart of the summer in July and August, he said.
Peak blueberry season for Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms will run from July through August out of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and California, said Tim Youmans, vice president of sales.
“Our blueberries are sweet, sometimes impressively large with our Giant packs, and have a firm, tender bite with a deep-blue color,” he said.
They’re available in 6-ounce packages, pint (11-ounce) containers as well as 2-pound clamshells.
Traverse City, Mich.-based North Bay Produce sources blueberries from Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Michigan and British Columbia during the summer, said Aaron Hunter, sales representative.
“Florida and Georgia blueberries have suffered thus far in the season due to last year’s hurricane effects as well as cooler nightly temps,” he said.
However, he said the company expects to see growth in all its berry categories.
North Bay Produce offers blueberries in 6-ounce, pint, 18-ounce, 9.8-ounce jumbo size and 2-, 5- and 10-pound packages.
