Blackberries — with their deep purple hue and sweet-tart flavor — have been cherished worldwide for centuries. Whether enjoyed fresh, baked into pies, blended into smoothies, or turned into rich jams, these juicy berries are a favorite in kitchens and markets globally. Beyond their culinary charm, blackberries are valued for their impressive health benefits, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
But have you ever wondered which countries lead the world in blackberry production? While these berries can be grown in temperate climates around the globe, a handful of countries dominate the commercial blackberry industry. In this article, we’ll uncover the top 5 blackberry producing countries in the world, and explore why they excel in this sweetly competitive field.
A Global Appetite for Blackberries
Thanks to growing awareness about their nutritional value and increasing demand for berries worldwide, blackberry production has surged in the last two decades. Global blackberry farming has expanded from backyard gardens to commercial-scale farms, supplying fresh markets and frozen berry industries year-round.
As of recent global agricultural reports, these are the top 5 producers of blackberries based on annual production volumes.
1. Mexico — The World’s Largest Blackberry Producer
Annual Production: Approx. 230,000–240,000 metric tons
Over the last two decades, Mexico has emerged as the undisputed global leader in blackberry production. The country produces nearly 35-40% of the world’s total blackberry supply, making it the go-to source for fresh berries in international markets, especially during winter months when other regions see reduced harvests.
Key Growing Regions:
- Michoacán (produces over 90% of the country’s blackberries)
- Jalisco
- Baja California
- Guanajuato
- Puebla
The fertile volcanic soils and temperate climate of Michoacán are ideal for cultivating premium blackberries. Mexican farmers, in collaboration with global exporters like Driscoll’s and Hortifrut, have adopted advanced farming techniques like protected agriculture (greenhouses and tunnels) to produce high-quality berries year-round.
Major Markets:
- United States
- Canada
- European Union (Germany, UK, Spain)
Mexico’s proximity to the United States gives it a significant logistical advantage, allowing freshly harvested berries to reach American supermarkets in just 24–48 hours.
2. United States — A Traditional Giant in Blackberry Cultivation
Annual Production: Approx. 65,000–70,000 metric tons
The United States has a long and storied history with blackberry cultivation. While it has been overtaken by Mexico in recent years, the U.S. remains one of the top producers, especially famous for its Marionberries, a type of blackberry hybrid developed in Oregon.
Key Growing Regions:
- Oregon (Willamette Valley — “Berry Capital of the U.S.”)
- California
- Washington
- Arkansas
The Pacific Northwest offers a perfect environment for blackberry farming — mild summers, fertile soils, and consistent rainfall. American growers focus both on fresh-market blackberries and processed products like frozen berries, jams, syrups, and desserts.
Major Markets:
- Domestic U.S. consumption
- Canada
- Japan
The U.S. is known for innovating with thornless, disease-resistant blackberry varieties that extend harvest seasons and improve berry quality.
3. Serbia — Europe’s Frozen Blackberry Powerhouse
Annual Production: Approx. 25,000 metric tons
Serbia is a leading European producer of blackberries, primarily supplying frozen berries to international food processors. Thanks to its cool temperate climate, rich soil, and generations of berry-growing expertise, Serbia has built a strong reputation for high-quality blackberries, particularly for use in frozen foods and bakery products.
Key Growing Regions:
- Western Serbia (Valjevo, Užice, Arilje)
- Central Serbia
Serbian farms are typically family-run, passing down knowledge through generations. Most of Serbia’s blackberries are individually quick frozen (IQF) soon after harvest to maintain freshness for export.
Major Markets:
- European Union (Germany, UK, France)
- Russia
- Turkey
Serbia’s blackberries are prized for their rich flavor and intense color, making them ideal for frozen desserts and processed products.
4. Poland — Eastern Europe’s Processing Specialist
Annual Production: Approx. 20,000–22,000 metric tons
Poland is another major player in the European blackberry market, with a strong emphasis on supplying frozen berries and concentrates for jams, juices, and yogurts.
Key Growing Regions:
- Lubelskie
- Mazowieckie
- Podlaskie
Like Serbia, Poland benefits from its cool climate and long tradition of berry farming. Most blackberries are grown on small to medium-sized farms and harvested for the frozen food industry.
Major Markets:
- European Union
- Russia
- Middle East
Poland’s blackberries are known for their natural sweetness, making them ideal for processed fruit products.
5. Chile — The Southern Hemisphere’s Seasonal Supplier
Annual Production: Approx. 4,000 metric tons
Though smaller in volume, Chile plays a crucial role in balancing the global blackberry market. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile’s harvest season runs from December to March, allowing it to supply fresh blackberries when Northern Hemisphere production slows.
Key Growing Regions:
- Maule Region
- Bío Bío
- Araucanía
Chile’s commercial blackberry farms export both fresh and frozen berries to North America, Europe, and Asia during off-seasons, ensuring year-round blackberry availability for global consumers.
Major Markets:
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
Chile’s reputation for strict agricultural standards and reliable export logistics makes it a trusted supplier in international berry trade.
Global Blackberry Production Snapshot
| Rank | Country | Annual Production (Metric Tons) | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | 230,000–240,000 | Fresh export and year-round supply |
| 2 | United States | 65,000–70,000 | Fresh and processed markets |
| 3 | Serbia | 25,000 | Frozen blackberries for Europe |
| 4 | Poland | 20,000–22,000 | Frozen and processed berries |
| 5 | Chile | 4,000 | Southern Hemisphere fresh supply |
Why These Countries Lead the Blackberry Industry
A combination of climate, infrastructure, market proximity, and farming innovation drives these countries to the top of blackberry production:
- Mexico: Ideal year-round growing conditions and proximity to the U.S.
- United States: Diverse growing regions and cultivar development
- Serbia & Poland: Cool climates ideal for flavorful berries and frozen processing
- Chile: Off-season harvests supplying global markets during winter months
These nations have invested in modern berry farming methods, improved cold chain logistics, and expanded protected agriculture systems (like greenhouses and tunnels) to boost yields and quality.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to blackberry production, these top 5 countries account for the lion’s share of the global supply. Mexico remains the undisputed leader, but each of these nations brings unique advantages to the market — from year-round fresh berries to premium frozen exports.
As the demand for nutrient-rich superfoods and antioxidant-packed berries continues to grow, these countries are likely to expand their production and innovate further, ensuring blackberry lovers around the world can enjoy these delicious, healthful fruits in every season.