Blueberry Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Historical Blueberry Prices (2020–2023)

• 2020: Retail prices for fresh cultivated blueberries averaged around $1.80–$2.00 per pound, though import prices were higher at $5.68 per kilogram ($2.58 per pound). This reflects a year with strong demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, balanced by a U.S. production of 294,019 tons and imports of 214,302 tons, primarily from Chile, Peru, and Mexico. Prices dipped mid-year due to seasonal supply peaks but rose later as demand for “superfoods” grew.

• 2021: Average retail prices for cultivated fresh blueberries rose to $2.16 per pound, per USDA data, a noticeable jump from 2020. This increase (about 8–20%) was driven by a 14% rise in import volume and a 53% increase in January volumes from Chile and Mexico, alongside heightened consumer interest in antioxidants. Prices peaked at $7.60 per kilogram ($3.45 per pound) wholesale in February, though retail stabilized lower due to domestic supply (660 million pounds utilized).

• 2022: Retail prices climbed further to approximately $2.30–$2.50 per pound. Wholesale prices hit $3.42 per pound in January but dropped to $2.34 by March as Chilean imports peaked (10.2 million pounds). By mid-year, prices recovered to $4.68 per pound wholesale in March, benefiting Mexican shipments. Total U.S. production reached 774.1 million pounds, yet import prices fell to $5.25 per kilogram ($2.38 per pound), reflecting higher volumes (306,000 tons imported).

• 2023: Retail prices averaged $2.50–$2.60 per pound, supported by a record U.S. output of 711.2 million pounds (322,595 tons). Import prices rose to $6.17 per kilogram ($2.80 per pound), up 17% from 2022, due to a slight import volume drop (11.6% to 306,000 tons). Prices fluctuated, with a low of $2.05 per pound wholesale in August and a high of $3.57 in July, driven by regional supply shifts (e.g., Georgia and Michigan).

Recent Data and Projections (2024–2025)

• 2024: Retail prices likely ranged from $2.60–$2.80 per pound. Import prices spiked to $7,932 per ton ($3.60 per pound) in September, a 49% increase from August, reflecting Peruvian supply declines and quality issues (e.g., frost in Europe). U.S. production remained strong, with forecasts suggesting growth in Oregon, Washington, and California. By year-end, prices may have softened to $2.50–$2.70 per pound as supply steadied from Mexico and Chile.

• 2025: As of today, retail prices are estimated at $2.70–$2.90 per pound. This projection aligns with a forecasted slight production increase (e.g., California Giant Berry Farms expects higher output than 2024) and stable Mexican supply through Q1. Import prices from Peru hit $8,966 per ton ($4.07 per pound) in late 2024, suggesting upward pressure, but domestic supply (e.g., California organics starting mid-January) may cap retail at this range through March.

Key Influences

• Supply: U.S. production has grown (e.g., 98% from 10 states like Oregon and Georgia), but imports (e.g., 571.3 million pounds in 2021) fill gaps. Weather (frost, rain) and Peruvian/Chilean output affect availability.

• Demand: Health trends and campaigns (e.g., U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s 2024 push in 4,000+ stores) boost consumption, keeping prices firm.

• Costs: Labor-intensive harvesting and transportation (specialized for perishability) drive prices, though economies of scale from higher volumes temper this somewhat.

• Seasonality: Prices dip in summer (peak harvest) and rise in winter (import reliance), though increased off-season supply from Mexico and Peru has narrowed this gap.