In southwestern Yunnan Province, China, early-ripening blueberry varieties are currently being harvested, while most regions in the country are just beginning to see their blueberry bushes bloom. Farmers are engaged in the picking and packing process, ensuring that fresh berries reach markets across China and internationally.
Blueberries, originally from North America, have been successfully cultivated in China, which in 2024 saw its cultivation area exceed 73,000 hectares and production reach approximately 500,000 tons. Yunnan Province, benefiting from favorable climatic conditions and an extended growing season, has become a prominent production hub, accounting for about 30% of the national output.
Yunnan's unique geographical features, including abundant sunlight and varied day-night temperatures, create an optimal environment for blueberry growth. "Yunnan is a natural habitat for blueberries," stated He Jiawei, head of the Institute of Alpine Economic and Botany at the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Science. The province is home to 46 wild blueberry species, representing over half of China's total.
In Mengzi, part of the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, over 2,300 hectares are dedicated to greenhouse blueberry cultivation, generating substantial revenue and supporting the livelihoods of more than 20,000 local farmers. Min Hongwei, who established a 12-hectare plantation in Mile, noted, "During peak harvest season, our workforce jumps to over 150 people, most of whom are local villagers. They can earn at least $21 per day, and some make as much as $42."
Yunnan's expanding blueberry industry has attracted over 100 companies, creating jobs for more than 100,000 people. The province's agricultural department reported that in 2024, Yunnan's blueberry cultivation area reached 16,660 hectares, producing 171,000 tons with an industry value of approximately $2.36 billion.
Initially aimed at domestic markets, Chinese blueberries are now gaining an international presence. Anmei, an agriculture and technology company, has entered the Malaysian market, with sales manager Chen Canling stating, "To meet export standards, we've implemented precision management throughout the supply chain from harvesting techniques to packaging and international logistics." The goal is to export 300 tons of blueberries this year.
Fengji, an agricultural development company, is airfreighting blueberries to Dubai, as noted by chairman Wang Rui, "Every four days, we airfreight two tons of blueberries to Dubai." Kunming Customs reported that in 2024, Mengzi's customs office oversaw the export of 1,425 tons of blueberries, making it China's leading blueberry exporter.
Li Yadong, a professor at Jilin Agricultural University, remarked, "Since China first exported homegrown blueberries to Russia in 2020, they have reached more than 10 countries and regions, highlighting the immense market potential of Chinese blueberries."
Source: Xinhua