The blueberries
Wild blueberries versus cultivated blueberries
Blueberries are becoming increasingly popular, both for their taste and their health benefits. Eaten in various forms (fresh, cooked, dried, as juice, etc.), they are winning over a growing number of consumers. The blueberry belongs to the Ericaceae family. The wild European species Vaccinium myrtillus differs from the cultivated North American varieties Vaccinium corymbosum. The wild blueberry is a creeping shrub that grows to between 20 and 60 cm high, whilst cultivated varieties can reach up to 2 m. Flowering occurs in spring, with small bell-shaped flowers, usually white or pale pink. Fruiting takes place in summer, between June and September depending on the variety and region. The fruit is covered in a waxy powdery coating (bloom). Blueberries require acidic soil (pH between 4 and 5.5), that is well-drained and rich in organic matter, as well as a sunny position. Sensitive to drought, it requires careful irrigation. Very hardy, it withstands winter cold well, but late frosts can damage the flowers.
The blueberry market, a rapidly growing global market
The global blueberry market is expanding rapidly. With around 296,000 tonnes, the United States is a major producer, followed by Canada, which dominates wild blueberry production (160,000 tonnes). Since the 2010s, Latin America has taken on an increasingly important role, with Peru (290,000 tonnes), Chile (100,000 tonnes) and Mexico (70,000 tonnes) offering off-season production relative to the northern hemisphere. Morocco (60,000 tonnes) is also making its mark on the market, whilst Poland, Spain and Portugal are the main producers in Europe.