Blackberries, with their rich color, sweet-tart flavor, and impressive nutritional profile, have secured a prominent place in diets around the world. From smoothies and desserts to jams and health-focused snacks, blackberries are loved for their versatility and health benefits. While several countries produce these luscious berries, global demand often exceeds local supply — especially in off-season months.
This is where international trade steps in. In today’s globalized food market, some nations import vast quantities of blackberries to meet consumer demand. But which country leads the world in importing these sought-after berries? Let’s dive into the numbers, the reasons behind high import rates, and how the international blackberry market works.
The Global Blackberry Trade at a Glance
Blackberries are classified under the larger category of berries in international trade, often combined with raspberries for reporting purposes under the Harmonized System (HS) code 081020. Despite this grouping, blackberries have a distinct and growing presence in global markets, both as fresh and frozen products.
The international trade of blackberries has expanded rapidly over the past decade, driven by:
- Increased consumer interest in antioxidant-rich foods.
- Year-round demand for berries beyond local growing seasons.
- Growth in food processing industries, especially for frozen fruits and jams.
In 2023, the total global import value for fresh and frozen berries (including blackberries) exceeded $4 billion USD, with major importers in North America and Europe.
Which Country Is the Largest Blackberry Importer in the World?
Witout a doubt, the United States is the largest blackberry importer in the world.
U.S. Blackberry Import Figures:
- Total imports (2023): Over 120,000 metric tons of fresh and frozen blackberries.
- Import value: Around $930 million USD.
- Global market share: Roughly 45-48% of total global blackberry imports.
This enormous market share places the United States well ahead of other top importers such as Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France.
Why Does the United States Import So Many Blackberries?
Interestingly, while the U.S. is also a significant blackberry producer — particularly in states like Oregon, California, and Washington — it still needs to import large quantities to meet growing consumer demand. Here’s why:
Year-Round Consumer Demand
Blackberries have become a staple in American diets. With rising awareness of their health benefits, including being high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, more people are including blackberries in their daily meals. Demand peaks during the summer but remains strong year-round, creating a need for steady imports, especially in winter and spring.
Limited Domestic Growing Season
The U.S. blackberry harvest typically runs from May to September, leaving a large gap in fresh supply for several months. To bridge this gap, imports from Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, and other countries are essential.
Frozen and Processed Blackberry Market
A considerable portion of imported blackberries is used in the processed foods sector — in frozen fruit blends, jams, yogurts, desserts, smoothies, and health snacks. The processed food industry requires a consistent, year-round supply of both fresh and frozen berries, further increasing import volumes.
Proximity to Key Suppliers
The U.S. benefits from close proximity to Mexico, its largest blackberry supplier. Thanks to geographic convenience, lower transportation costs, and trade agreements, Mexico can easily supply fresh blackberries during the U.S. off-season.
Major Blackberry Suppliers to the United States
The United States sources blackberries from several countries, but one nation dominates the supply chain:
- Mexico: Accounts for over 95% of fresh blackberry imports into the U.S. Its climate allows for blackberry production in months when U.S. harvests have ended.
- Guatemala and Chile: Important suppliers of fresh and frozen blackberries during U.S. off-season months.
- Canada: Provides fresh blackberries during its summer season to northern U.S. states.
Thanks to these sources, Americans can enjoy fresh and frozen blackberries throughout the year, regardless of the domestic growing season.
Germany: Europe’s Leading Blackberry Importer
When it comes to Europe, Germany is the continent’s largest blackberry importer.
Germany’s Blackberry Import Stats (2023):
- Total imports: Around 32,000 metric tons.
- Import value: Approximately $275 million USD.
Germany imports blackberries primarily from:
- Spain
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- Poland
Germany’s high demand for blackberries comes from a growing health-focused consumer base and a thriving dessert and baking culture.
Canada: Consistent Blackberry Import Demand
Canada ranks third globally for blackberry imports.
Canada’s Blackberry Import Stats (2023):
- Total imports: Around 20,000 metric tons.
- Import value: About $160 million USD.
Canada, like the U.S., has a limited growing season and relies on Mexico, the U.S., and Chile for year-round blackberry supply.
Global Trends in Blackberry Imports
Several trends are shaping the international blackberry trade:
Rising Demand for Fresh and Frozen Berries
Fresh blackberries are increasingly popular in salads, desserts, and breakfast bowls, while frozen blackberries are widely used in smoothies and baking.
Organic and Specialty Varieties
The demand for organic and pesticide-free blackberries is rising, particularly in health-conscious markets like the U.S. and Europe.
Emerging Import Markets
While North America and Western Europe currently dominate blackberry imports, markets in China, Japan, and the Middle East are beginning to show growing interest.
Summary Table: World’s Top Blackberry Importers (2023)
| Country | Import Volume (Metric Tons) | Import Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 120,000 | $930 million |
| Germany | 32,000 | $275 million |
| Canada | 20,000 | $160 million |
| United Kingdom | 18,000 | $150 million |
| France | 15,000 | $135 million |
Future Outlook for Blackberry Imports
The global blackberry trade is poised to expand over the next decade. Key factors fueling this growth include:
- Rising health awareness and berry consumption trends.
- Greater availability of organic and premium blackberry varieties.
- Growth in processed and convenience foods using blackberries.
- Enhanced cold-chain logistics, enabling faster and safer berry transportation.
Mexico is expected to maintain its role as the top supplier, particularly to the U.S. and Canada, while Spain, Morocco, and Poland will continue serving Europe.
Final Thoughts
To recap:
- The United States is the world’s largest blackberry importer, with over 120,000 metric tons imported in 2023, valued at around $930 million USD.
- Mexico is the dominant supplier to the U.S. market.
- In Europe, Germany leads imports, followed by Canada, the UK, and France.
- Rising demand for fresh, frozen, and processed blackberries is driving steady growth in the international berry trade.
As health-conscious diets continue to gain popularity and food innovation introduces new uses for berries, blackberry imports will likely remain robust for years to come.