IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘U.S. – Blueberries And Cranberries – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

Blueberry and cranberry imports in the U.S. remain robust thanks to strong consumer demand, even against the limitations for cafes and restaurants. Exporters from Peru and Mexico both enjoy skyrocketing growth in terms of supplies to the American market over the last five years, including 2020. Canadian and Chilean producers, as well as domestic growers, have to put on steam to benefit from future market growth.

Imports into the U.S.

Blueberry and cranberry imports to the U.S. soared to $1.4B (IndexBox estimates) in 2020. Overall, the value of imports posted solid gains, following that of the import volume.

In physical terms,  the U.S. recorded growth in supplies from abroad of blueberries and cranberries, which increased by 13% to 273K tonnes in 2020. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2020: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.2% over the last eight-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2020 figures, imports increased by +52.6% against 2017 indices.

Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2020 and are expected to retain growth in years to come. The high rate of vaccination opens the light for relief from the pandemic. Together with the increasing population and recovering incomes, it secures the demand for blueberries and cranberries will remain strong in the medium term. The American market thus becomes even more attractive for suppliers from abroad and requires the domestic growers to struggle for their market position.

Imports by Country

Peru (84K tonnes), Canada (78K tonnes) and Chile (52K tonnes) were the main suppliers of blueberry and cranberry imports to the U.S., together accounting for 79% of total imports.

From 2007 to 2020, the biggest increases were in the supplies from Peru and Mexico, thanks to skyrocketing volumes over the last five years. Purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Peru ($554M), Mexico ($364M) and Chile ($289M) appeared to be the largest blueberry and cranberry suppliers to the U.S., together comprising 88% of total imports.

Import Prices by Country

In 2020, the average blueberry and cranberry import price amounted to $5,030 per tonne, picking up by 13% against the previous year. Over the last thirteen years, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2008 when the average import price increased by 29% against the previous year. As a result, import prices attained the peak level of $5,481 per tonne. From 2009 to 2020, the growth in terms of the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2020, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($7,085 per tonne), while the price for Canada ($1,670 per tonne) was amongst the lowest.

Source: IndexBox Platform