Industry events reflect a blueberry sector entering a new phase

In recent months, a series of industry events across key producing regions has provided a relevant snapshot of current dynamics within the global blueberry sector.

Across Europe and Latin America, discussions held during these events suggest a common direction: the industry is evolving beyond a phase primarily defined by expansion, with increasing attention on performance, quality and strategic positioning.

In Portugal, discussions held during the 14th National Blueberry Producers Meeting (ENPM 2026) pointed to a transition following years of rapid growth. Conversations during the event reflected a more complex operating environment, where competitiveness is increasingly linked to consistency, efficiency and the ability to respond to evolving market requirements.

A similar perspective emerged in Latin America. At the International Blueberries Seminar in Lima 2026, discussions addressed the growing interconnection between market dynamics, logistics and genetics.

Insights shared during the event suggested that performance in the current environment is influenced not only by production levels, but also by the ability to interpret market signals, manage supply chains and deliver consistent fruit quality across markets.

In Chile, discussions during Fall Creek® Chile Conecta focused on varietal replacement as a key element within current industry dynamics. The event, which brought together more than 250 participants, highlighted the role of new genetics — particularly through the Collection and SEKOYA® platforms — in addressing market requirements related to firmness, postharvest performance and flavor.

Meanwhile, in Europe, discussions held during the 14th International Blueberry Conference in Poland (March 5–6, 2026) emphasized the importance of connecting strategic decision-making with field-level implementation. The event combined conference sessions with technical field visits, reinforcing the relevance of linking market perspectives with practical production insights.

Sessions and exchanges throughout the event reflected an increasing focus on operational aspects such as production efficiency, agronomic management and applied knowledge, pointing to a stronger alignment between strategy and execution.

Looking ahead, upcoming events continue to reflect this dynamic. In Colombia, Nación Berries 2026, scheduled for May 20–21 in Bogotá, is expected to bring together stakeholders across the value chain, including producers, exporters, researchers and buyers.

The structure of the event — including technical sessions, business meetings and field activities — reflects a growing emphasis on integrating knowledge, commercial development and industry coordination. In this context, Colombia continues to position itself within the global berry landscape, supported by year-round production potential and export-oriented development.

Across these events, discussions consistently point toward an industry that is becoming more complex and interconnected, where multiple factors — including genetics, agronomy, logistics and market intelligence — play an increasingly relevant role.

The expansion phase has defined the industry’s growth to date. The next phase will likely be shaped by how effectively these elements are integrated.

As part of this evolving landscape, the International Blueberry Organization has introduced a new section on its website dedicated to industry events, with the aim of capturing key discussions and providing a more structured view of how the sector is evolving across regions.

Recent publications in this section include:

• Berry business faces up to new challenges as growth continues
• New varieties open expectations for the Chilean blueberry industry
• From expansion to maturity: Portugal’s blueberry sector at a strategic crossroads

This new section seeks to position industry events not only as meeting points, but as platforms for knowledge exchange, industry alignment and ongoing analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of the global blueberry sector.

03-27-2026
IBO Original Content.