46 January | February 2026 abasto.com National Snapshot Cultivated vs. Wild The Blueberry Market Charts its Own Course INFORMATION PROVIDED BY USDA B lueberries are native to North America and are grown across the United States. Varieties fall into two categories: cultivated, which are typically larger, and wild, which are gene- rally smaller. Cultivated blueberries dominate production and are primarily marketed fresh. Wild blueberries, by contrast, are almost entire- ly used for processing. Source: USDA Economic Research Service Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, July 2025. 90% of U.S. production comes from cultivated varieties. 789.5 million pounds harvested in 2024 a historic record valued at $1.15 billion. Fresh or Processed? It Depends on the State 55% of blueberries grown go to the fresh produce market. Washington: Only 25% goes to fresh. Oregon: 55% Georgia: 63% The Wild Blueberry Stronghold 2024 production: 90.8 million pounds Value: $49.3 million Use: Nearly 100% for processing, mainly frozen. Maine accounts for all reported production. Washington, Oregon and Georgia supply 2/3 of total U.S. output. Blueberry variety and market destination by state, 2024 Nota: Other States category incluides Florida and North Caroline Source: USDA, Economic Research Service based on data from USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cultivated Pounds, millions Wild Washington Oregon Georgia Michigan Otros estados California New Jersey Maine 0 80 200 40 160 120 240 Fresh Processed AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY