World-wide berry demand continues to blossom
3-4-2008 | Other news
The low dollar combined with increased demand for berries has given U.S. farmers the opportunity to expand their exports, according to a new Rabobank report, ‘Ag Focus - U.S. Berries.’
“There are opportunities for U.S. berry farmers in markets where domestic blueberry production can’t keep up with demand – such as northern Europe or Asia,” said Rabobank Assistant Vice President of Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) Marieke de Rijke. “However, even the U.S. consumer appetite for blueberries has most likely not been fulfilled, which is creating additional domestic growth opportunities.”
“Over the past several years, demand for all U.S. berry varieties has grown significantly due to increased consumer awareness of their health benefits,” said De Rijke. “Berries are the type of fruit today’s consumer is looking for: convenient, healthy and available year-round.”
In the United States, fresh blueberry consumption is up 65%, fresh raspberry consumption is up nearly 300%, and fresh strawberry demand is up 45%. This growth has kept prices strong and has encouraged farmers to expand production acreage.
Strawberries
The United States is the world’s largest producer of strawberries, accounting for more than a quarter of the global annual production. California is the main strawberry producing state with 88% of the total production.
“Additional demand for fresh strawberries, stimulated by increased domestic production as well as imports from Mexico and the Southern Hemisphere, has enabled consumers to get fresh fruit year round,” said De Rijke.
Raspberries
Fresh domestic production of raspberries is able to meet 80% of the demand, but rising consumption has enabled fresh imports to increase significantly over the past few years.
From November to May, Chile and Mexico are the main suppliers of fresh raspberries, which make up about two-thirds of U.S. raspberry imports. The remaining share comes from Canada between June and August.
Blueberries
The United States is the largest producer of blueberries, growing more than half of the world’s blueberry supply.
“Blueberries, which are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, have enjoyed increased demand as consumers continue to look for healthier and more nutritious diets,” de Rijke said. “Additionally, consumers also appear to prefer the convenience of eating blueberries because they don’t require any peeling or slicing.”
