Global trends: The global blueberry market has witnessed significant growth, with production increasing at a CAGR of 19.6% from 2017 to 2021, reaching 1.8bn kg. By 2025, production is expected to reach 3.0bn kg. The USA and China are both dominant producers and consumers of blueberries, while Peru, Chile, Spain, Canada, and the Netherlands lead in exports, influencing global prices. Export prices tend to be higher in the January-June period, driven by European supply, but decrease from July onwards when cheaper blueberries from Canada and Chile enter the market.
Blueberry production in Georgia: Georgia started ramping up blueberry production from 2019, driven by government and donor support. The total area of blueberry-cultivated land in Georgia has exceeded 2,000 ha by end-2022. As a result, Blueberry production increased 8.5x over 2019-23, from 0.5mn kg in 2019 to an estimated 4.0mn kg in 2023.
Yields and production forecast: Georgian blueberry orchards yield 14.5 tons per hectare, placing the country at 7th place globally, thanks to favorable climate and new plant species. Consequently, with the existing orchards, we expect the blueberry production to reach 25mn kg by 2027 from 4mn kg currently.
Blueberries are an export product for Georgia. Blueberry exports doubled in 2023, reaching 3.0mn kg, valued at US$ 18.5mn. In 2023, the average export price of Georgian blueberries stood at US$ 6.1 /kg. The main export destination is Russia, accounting for over 90% of total exports. However, the country is actively exploring alternative markets, with shipments to Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland in June 2023. These markets look promising, particularly during the June-July period when Georgia’s exports are most active.
Future prospects: Despite rapid growth, Georgia’s blueberry sector is relatively young, offering both opportunities and challenges. The anticipated surge in production over the next 5-10 years requires a focus on diversifying export markets. To address these issues, the industry must prioritize quality control, shelf life extension, and export market diversification, along with investing in cold storage and other infrastructure. Additionally, exploring processed blueberry products can further enhance the industry’s potential.
