Berries, strawberries blueberries raspberries and blackberries, are recognized in Mexico as the most profitable agricultural food category. Although they do not lead in national production volume, their export value in 2025 has been significant, ranking as the second product with the highest income, mainly driven by exports to the United States.
In agricultural export volume, tomato ranks first, reaching one million 381 thousand metric tons between January and September 2025 and generating 1 billion 952 million dollars in revenue. Avocado follows closely with 919 thousand 600 tons and 2 billion 854 million dollars in income, which shows greater profitability than tomato since it produces more income with less volume.
While no other product surpasses avocado in total revenue, berries stand out in terms of profitability. According to data from the Agricultural and Fisheries Information Service and the Bank of Mexico, during the first nine months of the year, berries reached 2 billion 444 million dollars in revenue with a volume of 441 thousand tons, making them the second highest export income category.
To understand berry profitability, it is useful to compare with other products. Chilies, with 837 thousand tons, generated 892 million dollars. Cucumber, with 653 thousand tons, resulted in 891 million dollars. Lime, with 531 thousand 300 tons, reached 568 million dollars, and 469 thousand tons of onion generated 222 million dollars.
Berry production continues to gain ground in Mexico. A study by Universidad Autonoma Chapingo notes that the high profitability of berries is reflected in the benefit cost ratio. The ratio is 2.82 for blueberry, 1.88 for raspberry, 1.82 for strawberry, and 1.76 for blackberry, higher than crops such as sugarcane and corn which show ratios of 1.5 and 1.2.
The analysis compares berry profitability with other major export crops, such as avocado, which has a ratio of 1.84. This profitability is driven by high demand in the United States and by consumer segments in Mexico with high purchasing power that consider berries to be super foods.
Source: jornada.com.mx
