China expands blueberry production and market reach
In less than a decade, China has evolved from an emerging player into the world’s main hub for blueberry production. This development was driven by large-scale investment, genetic research, growing domestic demand, and a vertically integrated production model that connects genetics, cultivation, and marketing.
In 2010, China had only a few experimental hectares of blueberries. Today, more than 90,000 hectares are planted, with output increasing at double-digit rates. Production spans from Yunnan and Shandong to modern greenhouse systems in Liaoning. Blueberries have become a preferred fruit among the middle class, associated with health and convenience, which has expanded local consumption alongside export capacity.
Until recently, China depended on imports from Peru, Chile, and Mexico during off-season periods. That balance has shifted as major companies such as Joy Wing Mau, Dalian Yidu, and Haisheng Group invested in a variety of licenses, genetics, and post-harvest infrastructure. Government programs promoting fruit with high nutritional value supported this expansion. Imports from Peru and Chile continue during the winter, but local production now covers nearly 80 percent of total consumption, with quality levels matching those from southern hemisphere suppliers.
One driver of this growth has been the rapid adoption of patented varieties through collaborations with Fall Creek, Ozblu, and Mountain Blue Orchards. Regional breeding centers and universities, including Zhejiang University and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, are developing varieties adapted to local climates and using gene-editing programs to improve resilience and post-harvest quality. Greenhouse and hydroponic systems have expanded across multiple regions, allowing growers to manage temperature, light, and nutrients year-round.
Domestic consumption continues to rise. Online platforms such as Tmall and JD.com report annual berry sales growth above 30 percent, concentrated in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Imported blueberries, particularly from Peru and Chile, remain popular, but the gap in size and firmness is narrowing each season.
China’s logistics network supports this integrated model. Cold-chain facilities, rail corridors, and traceability platforms enable fruit harvested in Yunnan to reach Shanghai within 36 hours. Precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, and sensor-based management systems are now standard practice. The result is a digital production chain linking nurseries, farms, and retailers, allowing continuous monitoring and forecasting.
While the United States historically led the global blueberry industry, China has now surpassed it in planted area and is approaching similar consumption levels. Growth in the U.S. has slowed, while China’s combination of private innovation and policy support continues to expand domestic capacity.
Industry analysts expect China’s consumption to double by 2030. Southern Hemisphere exporters, including Peru, Chile, and Mexico, remain essential suppliers during China’s low-production months, while Morocco’s early window aligns well with southern China’s demand. Chinese companies are also investing in foreign farms, and Latin American growers are studying China’s model of digital integration and supply chain coordination.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
Frontpage photo: © Mitch Hutchinson | Dreamstime Publication date: Mon 10 Nov 2025
