Chinese Blueberries Expanding Market Share in Southeast Asia

China has long been a major importer of blueberries, but with the rapid expansion of domestic cultivation in recent years exports of Chinese-grown blueberries have also entered a strong growth phase. Currently, these blueberries are primarily exported to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia, Japan and other regions. Supported by favorable conditions from initiatives such as the China–Laos Railway and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the outlook for Chinese blueberries in Southeast Asia appears very promising.

According to data from China Customs, China’s blueberry export volume was 113 metric tons in 2020, 123 metric tons in 2021 and 178 metric tons in 2022, with over 90% of these exports going to Russia. In 2023, however, this surged to 1,012 metric tons, generating $8.89 million in revenue. Meanwhile, the export network expanded to nine different countries and regions, including Hong Kong and several Southeast Asian markets. Among these, Hong Kong imported 308 metric tons, while Singapore received 255 metric tons. This rapid growth continued in 2024, with exports from January to August alone reaching 2,314 metric tons and generating $21.98 million in revenue. The export destinations further expanded to include over 13 countries and regions, such as Hong Kong (647 metric tons), Singapore (579 metric tons), Malaysia (368 metric tons), Thailand (219 metric tons) and Indonesia (143 metric tons).

Global blueberry production currently stands at 1.86 million metric tons, with 529,210 metric tons designated for processing and over 1.3 million metric tons available as fresh fruit for consumers. Driven by strong demand in Asia — now surpassing that in Europe and North America — the industry anticipates that global blueberry output will grow to 3 million metric tons over the next five years.

In 2022, China became the world’s largest blueberry producer, with 78,000 hectares under cultivation and an output of 525,000 metric tons. The United States ranks second, with 48,000 hectares cultivated and a production of 277,000 metric tons, followed by Peru, which has 22,000 hectares under cultivation and an annual output of 225,000 metric tons. Notably, Peru’s yield per hectare far exceeds that of all other producers, securing its position as the world’s largest blueberry exporter for several consecutive years.

With increased production and an extended shelf life, Chinese blueberries are poised to capture a larger share of international markets. Key overseas markets with strong potential include Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North America. Southeast Asia, which primarily produces tropical fruits, currently imports most of its blueberries from Peru and Eastern European countries, with the supply concentrated during June and July.

Backed by favorable conditions created by the Belt and Road Initiative, the China–Laos Railway and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the prospects for Chinese blueberries — especially those from Yunnan — in Southeast Asia are bright. Yunnan’s harvest season, running from November to April, coincides with a period of lower global supply. According to the International Blueberry Organization, the ongoing growth in Yunnan’s exports is expected to sustain demand for Chinese blueberries in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore.

Although China has become the largest producer of blueberries, the majority of key blueberry varieties are still imported. Chinese research institutions and related companies have initiated blueberry breeding programs, but they have yet to develop essential varieties with intellectual property rights. Thus, there exists a pressing need to create proprietary varieties that possess desirable traits for both growers and consumers, which would enhance the competitiveness of China’s blueberry sector on the global market.

Image: Pixabay

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article.