Chinese blueberry production grows by 35 percent, surpassing imports in online sales

China is entering a new phase for blueberries: local production is growing by 35%, quality is improving thanks to technology, and in online sales, domestic berries are already outselling imported ones. Yunnan is leading the way, and companies are focusing on sweeter varieties, designed to appeal to Chinese consumers.

As the harvest season approaches, the Chinese industry of blueberry It is entering a new phase of growth. According to the latest industry data, domestic production is expected to exceed 1,2 million tons, which represents an increase in 35% compared to the previous year. This leap is not only quantitative: thanks to technologies such as substrate cultivation and digital monitoring, nine key quality indicators improved across the board—including the sugar-acid ratio and bloom level—and the rate of fruit meeting standards increased from 68% to 91% in one year.

Yunnan, one of the country’s main blueberry producing areas, currently concentrates close to 30% of the national volume. With the upcoming harvest, local fruit will begin to gradually enter the market starting in November. Manda, export director of Hunan Dream of Fruit Agriculture Co.,LtdHe explained:Yunnan is one of the best regions in the world for producing fresh blueberries. The marked temperature difference between day and night, combined with a favorable climate, results in firm, well-colored fruit with a clear quality advantage in China.

Dream of Fruit has expanded its surface area blueberries in Yunnan up to 200 hectaresand this year it doubled its production compared to the previous season. In terms of varieties, the company is working with four main materials —M8, M9, L42 and Bianca— to serve different market segments. “The M8 has a very distinct floral aroma, is very sweet, and has an excellent texture, which is why we consider it a premium variety. The M9 combines sweetness and crispness, with over 90% bloom coverage, giving it a very good commercial appearance. The L42 is characterized by its large size and high sweetness, with diameters exceeding 20 mm and, in some cases, reaching 26 mm. Bianca is a new variety we introduced this year, 15 to 20 mm in diameter, with a refreshing and sweet flavor; it will be available in December.”, he explained.

Regarding prices, the Yunnan blueberries They are somewhat lower than last season, mainly because production is more concentrated and the supply chain has been optimized. “In general, prices follow the usual seasonality: high prices at the beginning and more moderate towards the close.”Manda specified.

On the external front, Dream of Fruit It is already exporting to Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle Eastwith different preferences depending on the market.Customers who prioritize flavor and appearance tend to choose the M8; those who demand larger calibers prefer the L42. The M9 and Bianca perform very well in distribution channels and primarily target the wholesale market., he added.

With the domestic demand on the riseThe number of producers in Yunnan is also growing. Manda noted that, compared to some imported varieties, local producers are focusing more on the taste of the Chinese consumer. “Our main varieties are sweeter, which is what the domestic market prefers, while some South American varieties are more acidic. Furthermore, 70% of our growing areas are under standardized management systems. Although certain local varieties may be slightly more expensive than imported ones, their quality and consistency offer better value. This is already reflected in e-commerce: the preference for domestic blueberries has grown, and today their market share far exceeds that of imported products.”“.

Despite this growth, per capita consumption of blueberries in China It remains far below that of developed countries —less than one tenth—, which for Manda is a sign that the market still has plenty of room. “Competition will be more intense, but the future will depend on quality and brand. Standardization of cultivation and technological advancement will be key to ensuring sustainable development in the long term.”He said.

11-04.2025

Source: Blueberriesconsulting.com