The IBO in perspective: from a niche product to a truly global industry

By Andres Armstrong

In 2025, the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) celebrates its 14th anniversary. Fourteen years may seem like a short time, but it has been long enough for blueberries to evolve from an emerging crop into a truly global phenomenon. Today, blueberries are produced on every continent and have become a staple in the diets of millions of consumers who associate them with health, freshness, and quality.

Throughout this expansion, the IBO has played a key role. Since its inception, the organization has pursued a clear objective: contributing to the balanced development of the global blueberry industry by generating and sharing reliable knowledge so growers, exporters, and all industry stakeholders can make informed decisions. From the very beginning, the IBO was born with an international directive, uniting industry associations, marketers, and suppliers from around the world with the mission of serving as the industry’s central meeting point.

The IBO has translated this mission into visible, high-impact actions. Chief among them is the publication of the Global State of the Blueberry Industry Report, recognized as the most comprehensive document for understanding the industry’s present and projecting its future. Equally notable is the IBO Summit, which has been hosted in different countries over the years and has become a unique forum that combines technical and market updates, strategic debate, and high-level networking.

Other initiatives are equally relevant: receptions at major trade fairs; a website offering continuously updated content; and regular communications through various platforms that keep the community informed about key news, developments, and research related to blueberries. Together, these efforts have positioned the IBO as a trusted platform and a benchmark for all those involved in the industry.

Next September, South Africa will host the IBO Summit 2025, celebrating the organization’s 14th anniversary. The Summit embodies the very spirit of the IBO: to integrate and exchange ideas, and to envision the future.

The event will highlight South Africa’s growing role as a key supplier in the global blueberry market, showcasing its contribution to the seasonal diversity of supply. It will also serve as a forum for the exchange of knowledge, featuring presentations and panels on critical issues such as genetic innovation, logistics efficiency, consumption trends, quality, and sustainability. Finally, the summit will provide unparalleled networking opportunities—the chance to expand professional connections, share experiences, and build strategic partnerships.

Marking 14 years is not only a moment to look back with pride but also a call to take a realistic look ahead. The blueberry industry faces challenges that demand global cooperation: expanding supply, meeting higher quality standards, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and advancing more sustainable production systems.

In this context, the IBO is engaged in a strategic review process. This is a pivotal moment, when the organization is rethinking its approach, renewing its tools, and ensuring its contribution remains effective and relevant for its members and the industry as a whole. Strengthening an organization such as the IBO will be essential to guide the sector in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.

Blueberries are conquering the world, but the coming years will not be without challenges. The question is not whether the industry will grow, but how it will grow.

This is where the importance of the IBO lies. As an international platform, it has the unique capacity to bring perspectives together, foster collaboration, and provide high-quality information to support sound decision-making. That is why this anniversary is not only a celebration, but also an invitation.

For those who are already part of the IBO, the coming years offer the opportunity to renew commitments and deepen collaboration. For those who are not yet members, now is the time to discover the value and opportunities the IBO has to offer. The future of the blueberry industry will be as strong as the networks that sustain it—and with 14 years of experience, the IBO is well positioned to remain at the heart of that global network.

08-29-2025

IBO Editorial