Blueberry production in North America has been growing steadily in recent years, which has increased surface area and improved productivity, which has generated profits of production.

Although the growth experienced by the continent has been significant, a large portion of this growth lies in the attempt to provide a constant supply of cranberries to retailers. This suggests that the increased production is driving strong consumer demand.

Early estimates put the crop of blueberries in North America this year at 319 million kilos, up from 302.3 produced from the previous year, and profits from production are distributed over all surfaces of blueberry production blue region. Production of British Columbia, which is possibly the most benefits generated is expected to pass 54.4 million kilos in 2013 to 68.9 million this year. Similarly, in the US, is expected to Georgia and Washington have more berries, with increases this year of 12.7 million and 4.5 million kilos respectively. These benefits are the result of increased surface area and improved productivity.

“The area continues to increase, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years, with most of the increase in the West, primarily in British Columbia and Washington, and in the south, in Georgia,” said Mark Villata, executive director of US Highbush Blueberry Council. “The new varieties planted in the existing area in recent years, sometimes also greater productivity in some states”. With that kind of growth, one might ask whether there will come a time when all the cranberries produced find receptive markets. However, in the case of North America, growth has been a result of strong demand, so that the market has not been flooded with excess.

“We are working with our producer partners in various regions to get the fluid to the spring and summer when the South American transition season ends,” said Cindy Jewell, vice president of marketing at California Giant Berry Farms. “We want to ensure availability throughout the year to our retail partners and consumers.” That the United States imports a large amount of blueberries to satisfy consumer demand attests to the amount of red fruit that consumers demand. In fact, consumption has remained because consumers have come to know over the benefits of health berries.

“The per capita consumption of blueberries in the United States is estimated at 1.23 kilos this year,” reports Villata. “Greater than 1.07 kilos last year and much higher than the total of 0.80 kilos of only five years Quantity. Therefore, the demand has remained consistent supply and market developments have in place to try to continue this trend. “These developments have been instrumental in increasing demand and Villata believes that remain important as production continues to increase.

“Even with our per capita consumption figures, we have room to grow in relationship with other fruits,” says Villata. “But at a certain point in the future, we must consider how much output can be used, so we are promoting aggressively and we are also investing in research on the health benefits of blueberries.” For now, the growth shown has matched demand.

“Every year we have seen an increase in demand,” says Jewell. “Demand continues to grow blueberries among consumers due to its flavor, versatility and nutritional value.”