IBO report highlights global blueberry industry’s path to recovery in 2024

GLOBAL – The global blueberry industry is set to recover in 2024, according to the latest International Blueberry Organisation (IBO) report. 

After a challenging year marked by reduced volumes and higher prices, the industry remains hopeful for a bounce back as more consumers continue to embrace the fruit worldwide.

The IBO report, presented at this week’s Fruit Attraction in Madrid, provided an overview of the industry’s current state. Cort Brazelton, CEO of Fall Creek and editor of the IBO State of the Industry global report, highlighted the effects of the reduced supply, particularly from Peru. 

“Prices are trending up amidst a year of lower volume. The biggest drive was the shortage in Peru, due to El Niño,” explained Brazelton. Adverse weather conditions in Morocco and Spain compounded the issue, pushing prices even higher.

Despite the drop in production, demand for blueberries remains strong globally. Brazelton noted, “Even in a year with less volume, the consumer demand for blueberries hasn’t wavered.”

The IBO report also shed light on several key issues that will shape the global blueberry market going forward. These include the increasing frequency of weather-related disruptions, growing supply volumes, and the rising benchmarks for quality. 

“Our members highlighted these concerns, but we also see significant opportunities in new products, categories, and evolving market dynamics,” Brazelton said.

Sarah Ilyas, a data scientist at Agronometrics, presented additional data supporting these findings. She noted that while a 200,000 metric ton (MT) shortage occurred in 2024 due to El Niño, this shortfall was offset by new plantings in other regions. 

“We’re seeing blueberries being grown in more countries than ever before, helping to stabilize global supply,” Ilyas said.

Looking ahead, the IBO report announced that the 2025 IBO Summit will take place in South Africa from September 25-27, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Brent Walsh, head of BerriesZA, formally invited stakeholders in the global blueberry industry to attend the event.

“Our industry is still young, but we have a lot to offer, and we encourage everyone to come and see what we’re doing in South Africa,” he stated.

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