Production of blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries is forecast to increase in 2025, driven by export and domestic demand, adequate access to water, improved plant varieties, and modernized agricultural practices. Blueberry production is forecast to lower in 2025 based on a shortened harvest period. Forecast at 752,000 metric tons in 2025, total berry exports are projected to continue outpacing domestic consumption. Mexico is expected to remain the top supplier of fresh berries to the United States.
Mexico's berry sector has grown rapidly during the past decade, with producers ramping up production to meet increased demand from international and domestic consumers. After a slump during the pandemic, berry production has grown steadily over the last three years. Mexico's calendar year (CY) 2025 berry production is forecast at 250,000 MT for blackberries, 219,000 MT for raspberries, and 700,000 MT for strawberries, representing year-on-year increases of about three, seven, and six percent, respectively. The forecast production growth is based on strong demand, adequate water resources, and grower investments in technology and improved practices. Blueberry production is forecast at 73,500 MT in CY 2025, a nine percent decrease from the 2024 estimate due to a shortened harvest period.
Mexico leads the world in blackberry production, ranks second in raspberry production, fifth for strawberries, and sixth for blueberries. The United States continues to be both Mexico's top market and its number one supplier of berries, driving production and meeting demand in Mexico's off-season. Overall berry exports, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, are forecast at 752,000 MT in CY 2025, up five percent from an estimated 716,000 MT in 2024 due to strong U.S. demand and a weakened peso compared to the U.S. dollar.
Mexico's CY 2025 blackberry production is forecast at 250,00 MT, a three percent increase from an estimated 243,000 MT in 2024 - this reflects an ongoing recovery from a slowdown seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. CY 2025 production growth is forecast to be more modest for blackberries (three percent) than for raspberries (seven percent) and strawberries (six percent) due to aging plants and lower adoption of improved varieties. Production reached a record high of 298,000 MT in 2019 before falling 27 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Production grew an estimated 11 percent between 2020 and 2024 driven by modernized agricultural practices, increased planted area, and demand from the domestic and international markets. Mexico is expected to remain the number one blackberry producer globally in 2025.
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