FOLSOM. CA - Highbush Blueberry Council reports that the industry is anticipating a 25 percent boost in production for North America in the next four years.

2015 saw 750.2 million lbs. in blueberry production for the continent, with projections of that number rising to 940 million lb. in 2019. For 2016, this year alone is expected to surpass last year’s numbers, and global production to go beyond 1.4 billion lbs.

The Highbush Blueberry Council looks to help lead the industry in promoting blueberries as staples to a healthy lifestyle, according to a press release, with North American consumption keeping pace with supply.

Specific highlights include:

• 50 percent rise in consumption from 2010-2015 in North America per capita
• Fresh blueberries hitting #2 in fresh berry sales at U.S. retail, up 7 percent from 2014 to $1.5 billion in 2015
• Americans were reported twice as likely to buy blueberries from 2004 to 2013
• 84 percent of Americans cited awareness of blueberry health benefits, up 115 percent from 2004

According to the council, rising demand has created both an industry worth nearly $1 billion spanning seven U.S. regions, with growing export markets.

“Approximately 10 percent of the total U.S. highbush crop is exported each year, with fresh exports totaling more than 79 million lb. in 2014, up 60 percent from 49.3 million lb. in 2005,” it stated. “The USHBC aims to increase industry export figures substantially in the coming years by expanding existing export markets and opening new markets where fresh blueberries from the U.S. aren’t currently available.”

Those regions include Australia, Chile, China, and more.

With eyes towards all produce categories and coming growth, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on blueberries and beyond.

U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council