The Planting Area Of Blueberries In India Is Increasing, And They Are Mainly Exported To The Middle East And Southeast Asia

Shubha Rawal, the procurement supervisor of IG International, said: "As for blueberries, with new cultivation techniques and research, the quality of blueberries grown in India has been improved. In the past five years, farmers and entrepreneurs in India have been rapidly embracing the cultivation of exotic high-value fruits like blueberries. According to industry experts, the profits from these fruits are 50% higher than those of local traditional fruits. Technological advancements, including the adoption of new cultivation techniques and research, have helped to increase both the yield and quality. As a result, the domestic production of blueberries has increased, reducing the dependence on imports. Blueberries are also becoming more and more popular among Indian consumers, and the supply in supermarkets, e-commerce and quick commerce is also growing." Blueberries grown in India even occasionally enter the European market: "Blueberries grown in India are mainly supplied to the domestic market, but exports are also receiving increasing attention. Most blueberries are sold in the local market, including the APMC wholesale markets across India, so consumers in both big cities and small towns can buy blueberries.

As for the export market, Indian blueberries are mainly sold to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and occasionally exported to Europe. These regions have shown a strong interest in blueberries grown in India, especially the licensed varieties, whose prices are competitive compared with those of blueberries in Western countries. However, the export volume of blueberries is still in its infancy and remains small compared with domestic consumption." IG International has launched its own blueberry brand into the market, which is becoming more and more popular in various export markets. "Our self-produced blueberry brand is 'Berry On', and the main export markets are in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The main destinations in the Middle East include the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, while in Southeast Asia, our blueberries are mainly exported to Singapore and Malaysia. During the period of 2023-2024, the total export volume of our blueberries reached 101,240 trays, equivalent to 151,860 kilograms. There is a strong demand for our blueberries in these markets because our blueberries are licensed varieties, which are popular for their competitive prices and high quality compared with imported products from other countries. The increasing awareness of health benefits, combined with exquisite packaging, has made 'Berry On' blueberries more popular and in greater demand." According to Rawal, the production of blueberries in India is still growing, and there is still room for the existing planting area to increase production: "In the past few years, due to the increasing demand for high-quality blueberries grown locally, the planting area of blueberries has increased significantly. Currently, our vast farm in Madhya Pradesh covers an area of 180 hectares, of which 120 hectares are under cultivation. This land is carefully managed and can produce about 1,000 tons of blueberries annually, ensuring that the needs of both the domestic and international markets are met.

Our goal is to utilize the entire 180 hectares of land in the next few years to further increase production." Rawal emphasized that the window of opportunity for blueberries is meant literally because the harvest season coincides with the period when the supply of blueberries is low. "One of our key strategies to maximize market potential is to arrange the harvest season from December to May of the following year. By scheduling the harvesting time during the period when the global blueberry production is low, we can ensure that 'Berry On' blueberries occupy a favorable position in both the domestic and foreign markets. Our advanced packaging facilities support this effort, enabling us to efficiently meet the growing demand for our branded blueberries while maintaining quality standards. Looking ahead, we are committed to continuous growth and innovation, planning to expand the planting area and production to meet the growing demand for blueberries. 'Berry On' is not just about expanding the planting area, but also about cultivating the future of the blueberry cultivation industry, focusing on quality, sustainable development and market leadership." IG International has gained a lot of knowledge about blueberry cultivation through cooperation with international blueberry growers: "Blueberry cultivation is relatively new in India, and the lack of relevant knowledge and professional skills is a challenge.

To make up for this deficiency, we have cooperated with the international Mountain Blu Australia company. This cooperative relationship has provided us with the opportunity to obtain their licensed varieties and valuable professional and technical knowledge. In addition, we have also invested in training farmers and sharing best practices and cultivation techniques that help to improve productivity and quality." IG International not only deals in blueberries but also offers other types of berries. "As for strawberries, due to the adoption of better farming methods and the acquisition of new varieties, the production of strawberries in many regions of India has increased, and the production of strawberries is expected to be good this season as well. As people's interest in other berries such as raspberries and blackberries is growing day by day, and these fruits are also highly adaptable to different climate zones in India, these berries are also expected to perform well. However, the challenge of ensuring stable quality may affect production to some extent. Overall, the berry season in India will achieve significant growth, with the focus on quality, expanding the planting area and increasing market access. We are optimistic that the upcoming season will further establish India's important position in the global berry market," Rawal concluded.