Despite the prevailing drought conditions throughout Mexico, local growers claim that the berry sector is prepared to evade the effects of water scarcity within a 3-year period. The sector is strengthened by highly efficient irrigation systems, including private reservoirs and substantial operating funds. In addition to these advantages, growers have moved ahead in implementing a varietal replacement that not only contemplates genetics that are more prepared for water scarcity, but are also more productive in terms of yield and fruit quality.

Previous screenings

According to the USDA's latest voluntary annual blueberry report, Mexico's blueberry production in 2024 was forecast at 81.000 tons, an 8% increase from 2023, primarily due to sufficient access to water and growing export demand. Production growth rate was also projected to be slower in 2024 compared to 2023 due to competition from Peru.

Let us remember that production in 2023 reached an estimated 80.181 tons, meaning an increase compared to the previous year due to innovations in production, new genetics and a strong export demand.

However, lIn the 2023/2024 season, only 67,474 tons of blueberries were exported. Berry exports peaked in April, with 17.406 tonnes.

Historically, Mexico’s harvest started in early October, peaking between late April and early May, however, industry sources report that for the 2024 campaign, producers took steps to delay the start of the harvest until early February, in response to competition from Peru offering a similar product at lower prices during the October-January period. This strategic readjustment is likely to have exerted a dampening effect on production, also considering the relatively substantial contribution of plantings with new varieties.

Mexico started in early October, peaking between late April and early May, however, industry sources report that for the 2024 campaign, producers took measures to delay the start of the harvest until early February, in response to competition from Peru which offers a similar product at lower prices during the October-January period. This strategic readjustment is likely to have exerted a dampening effect on production, also considering the relatively substantial contribution of plantings with new varieties.

Downwards

In this context, the trend indicates that the volumes for the following season, corresponding to 2024/2025, would decrease by 10% compared to the results of the current campaign.

In a broader agricultural context, berries, which include blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, have consistently occupied the top spots among Mexico's agricultural exports over the past three years.

Statistical data from the Ministry of Economy reveals that berries rank second among Mexico's food exports, valued at over USD 5.0 ​​billion. Benefiting from the provisions of the T-MEC trade agreement, Mexico enjoys tariff-free access for its blueberry exports to the United States and Canada, highlighting that the United States is Mexico's main blueberry export market, with an impressive share of almost 97%.

The main berry exported was fresh and frozen strawberries, with 54.5% of national exports (346,253 tons), then raspberries, with 19.7% (125,050 tons), blackberries, with 14.9% (94,210 tons), blueberries, with 10.6% (67,474 tons) and berry mix, with 0.2% (1,459 tons).

According to these data, the Mexican blueberry industry is facing a downward trend, but that may only be apparent, since, although its export volumes have decreased, it is necessary to investigate the production flows destined for the local market, which has been a strategic objective of the Mexican industry in recent years.