The United States Market Experienced a 121.56% YoY Price Surge of Mexican Blackberries Amid Tighten Supply

In the United States (US) wholesale market, the price of Mexican fresh blackberries has increased by 39.2% YoY as of Nov 1. This growth is due to supply and competitive prices from Peru and the end of the blackberry season in the US.
As of Nov 1, 2023, the price of fresh Mexican blackberries increased by 121.56% year-on-year (YoY) in the United States (US), from USD 6.81 per kilogram in Nov-22 to USD 15.08/kg in Nov-23. Over the past year, the price of Mexican blueberries has fluctuated, reaching its lowest value in Jan-23 at USD 4.94/kg and a peak in Jun-23 at USD 11.68/kg. The price surge can be attributed to the rising costs of blackberry production, which increased in prominent Mexican blackberry-producing states such as Michoacán in Nov-22. The price has also increased due to rising demand from the North American market, with the US and Canada being major export destinations. In addition, the US had a tighter supply of fresh Mexican blackberries due to weather disruptions caused by the North American monsoon in Mexico during Jul-23, with severe rainfalls, floods, and transport discrepancies such as road closures and flight delays. Furthermore, the high season for Mexican blackberry exports occurs mainly between December and May due to more supply available, meaning that the country is currently off season which can contribute to the higher prices. In the upcoming month, as supply increases and the Mexican blackberry export season starts, a price drop can be expected if all other factors remain constant. Approximately 75% of commercial blackberries in US retail markets are produced in Central Mexico, covering 25 thousand acres, making it the largest blackberry production area globally. The Mexican industry, established with the Brazilian variety 'Tupi,' significantly influenced the quality perception of blackberries in the US. The variety shift includes incorporating the primocane-fruiting trait, allowing year-round production without the chilling requirement. Breeding programs in Mexico focus on developing varieties adapted to the region, with notable releases like 'Sweet Karoline,' 'Aketzali,' 'Amelali,' and 'Madeline.’ Improved cultural methods and postharvest handling are evolving, impacting the Mexican blackberry industry. Challenges include transitioning from floricane-fruiting to primocane-fruiting varieties and managing competition concerns with US growers. Despite the overlap in harvest periods, preferences for US-grown blackberries persist, emphasizing the importance of year-round availability to sustain demand and sales.