As this season's fresh U.S.-grown blueberries begin to arrive in China, the American Highbush Blueberry Association will be returning to Hong Kong to display fresh blueberries and a range of blueberry-based products to international attendees at Asia Fruit Logistica, Sept. 4-6 at the AsiaWorld-Expo.
Global demand for blueberries has soared over the past decade, and so has production. In 2022, global blueberry production reached a record high of 1.86 million tonnes.
Blueberries are native to North America, and the United States has long been the world's leading producer of the fruit. According to the North American Blueberry Association, the 2023 harvest will be the largest ever at 322,595 tonnes, worth $1.45 billion. That same year, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's World Agricultural Trade System showed blueberry exports increased by 30% to an unprecedented 65,790 tonnes, worth about $218 million.
USHBC promotes a wide range of blueberry products, including fresh, frozen, dried and freeze-dried blueberries, blueberry juice, concentrates, powders and canned products. The council's latest export plans are focused on key Asian markets such as China, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and South Korea.
At this year's Asia Fruit Logistica, USHBC will offer a diverse range of services, from market analysis and sourcing solutions to cooking tips and consumer education, providing a one-stop solution for clients and customers. At the same time, the council is actively working to increase demand for U.S.-grown blueberries among consumers, caterers, manufacturers and retailers around the world.
Event details
Event: Asia Fruit Logistica
Date and Time: September 4-6, 2024, 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: AsiaWorld-Expo, Halls 3 and 5, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
USHBC Booth: Hall 5, No. 5C02
If you are interested in importing or selling U.S. blueberries, would like to learn more about the latest trends in the industry, or would like to meet with exporters and USHBC representatives, please email [email protected] to schedule a meeting.
Image: American Highbush Blueberry Board