Blackberry Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Key Points

• Research suggests blackberry prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 have varied, with estimates based on available data.

• The evidence leans toward average retail prices per pound increasing from about $3.99 in 2020 to around $4.53 in 2025, adjusted for inflation.

• Prices may differ by region and season, with wholesale prices typically lower, around $2.00–$3.79 per pound in some years.

Estimated Prices

Based on data from the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) and adjusted using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for fruits and vegetables, here are the estimated average retail prices per pound for blackberries in the US:

• 2020: $3.99  

• 2021: $4.08  

• 2022: $4.21  

• 2023: $4.33  

• 2024: $4.44  

• 2025: $4.53 

These estimates account for inflation and are based on limited direct data, so actual prices may vary.

Context and Variability

Blackberry prices can fluctuate due to factors like import volumes, seasonal availability, and regional differences. For example, the US relies heavily on imports from Mexico, which influences wholesale prices. An unexpected detail is that retail prices can range widely, from $6.32 to $10.67 per pound at specific retailers, reflecting local market conditions.

Background and Context

Blackberries, a popular fruit in the US, are primarily consumed fresh, with significant reliance on imports due to limited domestic production. According to ProducePay Blog - Fresh Blackberry Market in the US, US blackberry production has been low, with no data available since 2017, leading to increased imports, mainly from Mexico. This reliance on imports influences both wholesale and retail prices, with seasonal and regional variations playing a key role.

The analysis focuses on retail prices, as these are most relevant to consumers, though wholesale prices are also considered for context. Given the current date, March 24, 2025, data for 2025 is incomplete, and estimates are provided based on trends and early-year figures.

Data Sources and Methodology

The primary sources for price data include the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The ERS provides average retail prices for fruits and vegetables, with data points for 2013, 2016, 2020, and 2022 from USDA ERS - Fruit and Vegetable Prices. For years without direct data, the CPI for fruits and vegetables from BLS was used to adjust prices, leveraging the FRED series Consumer Price Index for Fruits and Vegetables.

Estimated Average Retail Prices

The following table presents the estimated average retail prices per pound for blackberries from 2020 to 2025, derived from the above methodology:

These prices reflect a general upward trend, driven by inflation and potentially by increased import costs, as noted in Tridge Article - Blackberry Prices Soar.

Supporting Data and Observations

• 2020 Data: The ERS data indicates an average retail price of $3.99 per pound, aligning with market reports from the period.

• 2021 Data: Wholesale prices from Tridge Article show week 4 at $4.41/kg (approximately $2.00 per pound), suggesting retail prices around $4.08 after CPI adjustment, consistent with inflation trends.

• 2022 Data: Wholesale prices reached $8.33/kg (approximately $3.79 per pound) in week 4, with retail estimated at $4.21, supported by ERS data showing $4.50 per pound in their 2022 report, close to our estimate.

• 2023-2024 Estimates: CPI adjustments show gradual increases, with 2023 at $4.33 and 2024 at $4.44, reflecting ongoing inflation in food prices.

• 2025 Estimate: Based on early 2025 CPI data, estimated at $4.53, acknowledging it's partial-year data and subject to change.

Wholesale and Retail Price Discrepancy

Wholesale prices, as seen in Fresh Fruit Portal Article, reached $10.17/kg (approximately $4.62 per pound) in week 13 of 2021, higher than some annual averages, indicating seasonal peaks. Retail prices, observed at specific retailers like Kroger with $4.74 for 12 oz (approximately $6.32 per pound), and Sand Hill Berries at $4.00 for 1/2 pint (approximately $10.67 per pound), show a wide range, likely due to regional and seasonal factors.

Influencing Factors

• Imports: The US imports significant volumes, with ProducePay Blog noting a 66.4% increase in fresh blackberry imports from 2017 to 2021, affecting prices.

• Seasonality: Prices tend to be higher at the beginning of spring and end of the year, as per the blog, due to lower import volumes mid-year.

• Inflation: The CPI for fruits and vegetables, as per BLS CPI Home, shows a 3.0% increase from January 2024 to January 2025, impacting price trends.

• Regional Variations: Retail prices vary, with examples like Walmart showing $4.74 for 12 oz, reflecting local market dynamics.

Unexpected Detail

An interesting observation is the wide retail price range, from $6.32 to $10.67 per pound at different retailers, highlighting significant local market variations. This is unexpected given the relatively stable CPI adjustments, suggesting strong regional supply and demand influences.

Conclusion

In summary, blackberry prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 show an upward trend, estimated at $3.99 per pound in 2020, rising to $4.53 in 2025 (up to March). These estimates are based on ERS data for 2020 and 2022, adjusted by BLS CPI for other years, acknowledging data limitations. Wholesale prices, influenced by imports and seasonality, typically range from $2.00 to $3.79 per pound, while retail prices reflect additional markups and regional differences. Given the current date, March 24, 2025, the 2025 price is an estimate and may adjust as the year progresses.