Mexico to see blueberry production bump
Mexico’s blueberry production in 2024 is forecast to rise 8% over 2023, according to a new USDA report.
Long-term production may be constrained by labor availability and competition from Peru, the report said.
Mexico’s 2024 blueberry production is forecast at 81,000 metric tons, an increase of 8% owing to sufficient water access and growing export demand, according to the report.
With more than 71,000 metric tons exported in 2022, Mexico ships more than 95% of their blueberries to the U.S. market, the report said.
The rate of production growth for Mexican blueberries is projected to be slower in 2024 than it was in 2023 due to competition from Peru, according to the USDA.
In 2023, Mexican blueberry production reached an estimated 74,800 metric tons, the USDA said, a 12% increase over the previous year due to production innovations and strong export demand.
The report said Mexico’s blueberry sector has seen rapid growth in the past decade, with rising prices encouraging growers to expand production or switch from other crops to blueberries.
The USDA said Mexican blueberry production grew more than 80% between 2017 and 2022, with Mexico currently the world’s fifth-largest blueberry producer.
Despite drought conditions throughout Mexico, local producers said that the berry sector will avoid the impact of water shortages for the next one to three years, according to the report.
“The sector is well-equipped with highly efficient irrigation systems, including private reservoirs, and ample operating funds,” the report said.
Market timing and pressure from Peru
Historically, Mexico’s harvest began in early October, peaking between late April and early May, the report said. In contrast, industry sources report that for the 2024 harvest, producers have taken steps to delay the start of the harvest to early February in response to competition from Peru, which offers a similar product at lower prices during the October to January period, according to the USDA.
“Faced with this competition, Mexican growers have shifted the growing season by delaying new plantings, which is projected to dampen overall production given the relatively significant place of new plantings in total planted area, with the sector currently undergoing a transition from Biloxi to proprietary varieties,” the report said. Producers are actively switching away from the biloxi blueberry variety to take advantage of the ongoing development of improved varieties that provide higher yields and better taste. According to farmer contacts, 23% of the blueberry area is currently planted with the biloxi variety and 74% is planted with proprietary varieties.
The share of the biloxi is expected to decrease significantly in the near term, the report said.
Exports
At barely 70 grams per capita, blueberry consumption is limited in Mexico, held back by price and consumer preference. The vast majority of Mexican blueberries are exported. Mexican blueberry exports totaled 71,509 metric tons in 2022, down about 2% compared to 2021.
The U.S. is the top export market for Mexican blueberries, accounting for about 97% market share. Other export destinations include the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, the report said.
Mexican production trends
Jalisco, Sinaloa, Michoacán and Baja California together account for 90% of Mexico’s blueberry output, the report said.
Mexico’s blueberry production is carried out under plastic coverings that provide 25% ultraviolet shade protection from intense sunlight, the report said.
There is no open/exposed production, the report said, with about half of the blueberry crop planted directly in the soil, with the other half planted in substrate in 7- and 10-liter containers.
“Local contacts expect production via substrate will increase in the coming years, noting that production with substrates reduces susceptibility to diseases and facilitates irrigation and harvest,” the report said.
Less than 10% of blueberry production is organic.
“Blueberry producers report significant labor force challenges, noting concerns about securing an adequate supply of field laborers and processing plant workers in the near term,” the report said. “Local contacts indicate that labor availability is the primary constraint on production growth, not consumer demand or access to water, land, capital or technology.”
