Originally centered in Piedmont since the 1960s, blueberry cultivation now extends across much of northern and central Italy, with growing interest in southern regions like Sicily and Calabria.
Traditional cultivars such as Brigitta Blue are being replaced by newer genetics; in the north, many early varieties like Duke dominate. In Sicily, a key production area with lower temperatures, at least 90% of plantations are still the open Ventura variety, though breeders from Spain and the U.S. are testing new genetics.
Italy’s geographic and climatic diversity allows producers to stretch the harvest season from early spring in the south to late summer in the north. Still, most production takes place between May and July, peaking in June.
Compared to major European and North African producers (Spain: 80,000 MT; Poland: 62,000 MT; Morocco: 56,000 MT), Italy’s 2023 output of 11,000 MT ranked eighth in the region.
Even more noteworthy is the 300% growth in production over the same period, from 3,000 to 12,000 metric tons, indicating increased productivity—likely due to better genetics, modern systems, and regional diversification.
Domestic demand outpaces exports
In 2015, 37% of Italian blueberries were exported. By 2024, that figure dropped to just 25%, underscoring the growing strength of the domestic market.
Top destinations for Italian blueberry exports are:
United Kingdom (912 MT)
Switzerland (391 MT)
Lithuania (350 MT)
Croatia (260 MT)
Germany (237 MT)
Blueberries outperform other Italian fruits in value
Compared to well-established Italian fruit exports like apples, kiwis, oranges, and strawberries, blueberries still represent a small share. However, their unit value (€7.23/kg in 2024) far surpasses strawberries (€4.27/kg), kiwis (€2.35/kg), and other traditional crops.
This high value is already prompting some producers—particularly kiwi growers—to convert orchards to blueberries, following years of setbacks due to diseases like PSA. Data suggests this trend is likely to continue.
Imports: a key piece of the puzzle
While Italy grows more blueberries than ever, it still imports more than twice what it produces. In 2024, imports reached 15,000 metric tons, surpassing domestic output and highlighting the local supply gap.
Main sources of imports include:
Spain (5,700 MT, including fruit from Morocco)
The Netherlands (3,714 MT, mostly re-exports from Peru and Chile)
France (1,884 MT, mostly Spanish/Moroccan fruit)
Germany and Poland (domestic and re-exported fruit)
Italy’s fresh import pattern by year
Import peaks occur in May, just before Italy’s harvest season. Imports then drop sharply in July during the national peak, suggesting that imports and local production are more complementary than competitive.
A seasonal market with strong summer demand
Consumption in Italy appears tightly linked to seasonal trends. Most blueberries—whether imported or local—are consumed in spring and summer. This seasonal demand is evident in import data, with a steady May peak followed by a sharp July decline.
During Italy’s short June export window, shipments—especially to the UK—reach their highest level. Interestingly, this peak coincides with a temporary drop in imports, offering local producers a brief period of limited competition.
Outlook for the industry
Italy’s blueberry sector is on an upward trajectory, with increases in acreage, production, and value. Although it lags behind regional giants like Spain and Poland, Italy’s unique climatic diversity, cutting-edge techniques, and strong domestic demand lay a solid foundation for continued growth.
At the same time, Italy remains heavily dependent on imports to meet consumer demand, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for expansion.
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As producers adapt to climate risks and changing market conditions, blueberries are emerging as a high-value alternative to traditional fruit crops—especially in regions shifting away from struggling sectors like kiwis.
With the right investment in genetics, infrastructure, and marketing, Italy is well positioned to further strengthen its role in the European blueberry landscape—boosting domestic consumption, expanding local production, and improving export capabilities.
