Blueberry production in Mexico is expected to maintain a growth trajectory in 2026, according to the Berry Annual Voluntary Report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), recently published.
The report projects that production will reach 85,000 tons, representing a 16% increase compared to 2025. This rebound is driven by a strategic adjustment within the Mexican industry, which has redefined its production window to reduce direct competition with Peru, following the decline recorded in the previous season.
Currently, more than 80% of the produced volume is destined for international markets, with the United States as the main destination.
According to the report, Mexico is focused on capitalizing on the spring window—from February to May—through the implementation of substrate-based production systems and high-performance varieties aimed at premium markets.
The shift of the production peak to this period allows growers to avoid direct price competition with Peru, positioning their supply in the market just as South American volumes begin to decline and before the start of the domestic U.S. season. This strategy enables producers to concentrate higher volumes within a defined timeframe, supporting improved returns.
Varietal replacement and quality
At the same time, the industry is moving forward with a varietal replacement process, progressively replacing the Biloxi variety with new genetics such as Sekoya Pop, AzraBlue, and Madeira.
According to the report, these varieties stand out for their larger fruit size—between 30% and 40% greater—and improved firmness or “crunch,” attributes that position Mexican blueberries in the premium segment both internationally and in the domestic market. This transition aims to improve prices and capture part of the market share currently dominated by higher-volume exports, mainly from Peru.
In addition to the genetic shift, Mexico is advancing toward production systems in pots or substrates, using materials such as coconut fiber and peat. This model allows for a significant increase in planting density, exceeding 8,000 plants per hectare, compared to around 3,500 plants per hectare in traditional soil-based systems. As a result, productive efficiency and yield potential per unit of area are enhanced.
Agroclimatic conditions and technical management
Blueberry production in Mexico takes place under low-chill conditions, with optimal temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C during the day and between 10°C and 15°C at night.
To mitigate adverse climatic factors, growers use high tunnels, which help protect crops and reduce the impact of UV radiation
