Blueberries consolidate a strategic bridge between America and Asia via Canada and Taiwan.
Canada and Taiwan have become two key markets within the “other destinations” category for blueberries. The former operates as a natural extension of the United States in North America; the latter is emerging as a premium testing ground in Asia, ideal for refining high-value fruit programs before scaling up to larger markets.
In North America, Canada has established itself as a strategic complement to the U.S. market. Its demand for imported blueberries is concentrated during the off-season, when local production declines, and it favors fruit with good firmness and post-harvest shelf life, capable of withstanding long supply chains and intensive handling in retail. The growth in shipments from Peru and other Southern Hemisphere origins has been so significant that many companies are now referring to “North America” programs, managing the United States and Canada in an integrated manner, albeit with differentiated assortment and pricing strategies.
For exporters, the growing presence in Canada allows them to diversify risks within the same geographic region. Part of the volume can be directed to US chains with very strict specifications, while another percentage goes to Canadian retailers who value a combination of competitive pricing and consistent quality. In both cases, the key is consistency in the fruit’s condition and in arrival planning, so that the supply is not concentrated in just a few weeks or in a single market.
Taiwan: a premium laboratory for Asian blueberries
At the other end of the spectrum, Taiwan is positioning itself as a test market for premium blueberries in Asia. It’s an upper-middle-income economy with a strong modern retail presence and consumers willing to pay more for high-quality fruit with consistent flavor and recognizable brands. While demand isn’t yet on the scale of China, it is demanding enough to require shipments of carefully selected fruit with excellent presentation and clear traceability.
For exporting companies, Taiwan offers an attractive combination: competitive prices, still manageable volumes, and the opportunity to test campaigns, sizes, varieties, and packaging formats before replicating that model in larger, more competitive Asian markets. In practical terms, many brand positioning strategies, origin storytelling, and trust-building initiatives with importers are first tested in Taiwan, and then refined and scaled up.
Consistency and planning: the common denominator
Although Canada and Taiwan are very different in culture, language, and distribution channels, they share a key trait: both value consistency over a stroke of luck. This means that the trade relationship must be supported by planned programs, adherence to schedules, clear specifications for size, firmness, and flavor, and logistics that minimize disruptions in transit times and temperature.
In this context, varietal selection becomes a central element. Not all varieties perform equally well under the demands of transport and handling in these markets. Those that combine good field productivity with firmness, crispness, and cold stability will be the ones that consolidate the presence of Southern Hemisphere blueberries in Canada and Taiwan. Conversely, more sensitive varieties will tend to be relegated to closer markets or specific windows with less logistical pressure.
A bridge to climb on the blueberry map
The role of Canada and Taiwan goes beyond simply being “new buyers.” Together, they are building a strategic bridge between the Americas and Asia along the blueberry route. Canada allows for a deeper presence in North America and optimizes the use of exportable supply during the off-season; Taiwan, meanwhile, opens the door to a more sophisticated expansion in Asia, based on quality, brand, and consumer experience.
For exporters seeking to build long-term programs, these two destinations serve as learning platforms. The information generated on consumer behavior, response to different varieties, and price sensitivity allows for adjustments to both field planning and portfolio and marketing strategies. In an increasingly fragmented global market, understanding and effectively leveraging these connections can make the difference between a marginal presence and a leading position in the international blueberry circuit.
01-05-2026
Source: Blueberriesconsulting.com
