The global dried blueberry market was valued at approximately US$ 4,173.11 million in 2019 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 7,024.03 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2020 to 2027.
Blueberries rank among the most favored fruits worldwide, available in various forms including fresh, processed, juiced, or dried. They find applications in numerous food products such as jellies, jams, snack items, and as additives in breakfast cereals. The two predominant varieties of blueberries are highbush and lowbush. These berries are packed with essential nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Their high antioxidant levels are known to mitigate DNA damage and possess anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. As awareness of their health benefits grows, food manufacturers are increasingly focusing on dried blueberry products, leading to a surge in global demand. The rising health consciousness among consumers is driving the preference for products derived from natural sources with wholesome ingredients. Consequently, more players in the bakery and confectionery sectors are incorporating dried blueberries into their offerings. To meet this growing demand, producers are expanding their cultivation areas and processing facilities for berries.
The dried blueberry market is categorized by product type into freeze-dried, sun-dried, infused-dried, and other dried varieties. In 2019, the infused-dried segment held the largest market share. Infused dried fruits are typically treated with fruit juice or sugar solutions through a process known as infusion drying, which utilizes osmosis. This method allows the natural diffusion of materials through the fruit's cell membranes, resulting in a product that retains its original taste, shape, and color more effectively than other drying methods. The strong flavor profile of infused dried fruits makes them suitable for direct consumption as well as for incorporation into muesli and yogurt. As consumers increasingly seek healthy eating options, products with natural properties and high nutritional value are gaining popularity.
Geographically, the dried blueberry market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. In 2019, North America dominated the market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The significant market share in North America can be attributed to heightened consumer awareness regarding the health benefits of blueberries, alongside a growing demand from the cosmetics industry, which is further driving the need for dried blueberries in the region. The global consumption of dried blueberries has risen, primarily due to their health-boosting properties. Recently, cosmetic companies have been focusing on formulations that include natural ingredients with antioxidant benefits. The North American market is characterized by the presence of key players such as Meduri Farms and Graceland Fruit.
As of December 2020, countries such as the US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, and Mexico were among those most severely impacted by COVID-19, with significant numbers of confirmed cases and fatalities. According to the latest data from the WHO, there were approximately 77,228,903 confirmed cases and 1,718,470 reported deaths globally. The pandemic has disrupted economies and industries worldwide due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures. The food and beverage sector has faced significant challenges, including supply chain disruptions, cancellations of technology events, and factory shutdowns. The lockdowns in major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East have adversely affected global supply chains, impacting the manufacturing, delivery schedules, and sales of various products. Additionally, transportation issues have arisen due to border closures resulting from travel bans in Europe, Asia, and North America, further complicating business collaborations and partnerships. These factors have significantly hindered the growth of the dried blueberry market.
Key players in the global dried blueberry market include CAL SAN Enterprises Ltd., Karen's Naturals, Graceland Fruit, Inc., Kiantama Oy, Meduri Farms, Inc., Naturipe Farms, LLC, Oregon Berry Packing, Inc., Royal Nut Company, Shoreline Fruit LLC, and True Blue Farms.
The overall size of the global dried blueberry market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the dried blueberry market. This approach also aimed to provide an overview and forecast for the market across all segments. Additionally, primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants typically included industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the dried blueberry sector.