Opportunities in the New Zealand Blueberry Industry

Part of Emerging Growth Opportunities, Food and Beverage Information Project, MBIE

This report was commissioned by MBIE, it is part of the Emerging Growth Opportunities Series of the Food & Beverage Information Project (iFAB). Blueberries were identified as a growth sector in the related ”Emerging Growth Opportunities” report. Blueberries emerged as a high growth sector for New Zealand that has grown on the back of growing global demand for this small, healthy fruit.

Blueberries are still a young industry, both globally and in New Zealand. To date, New Zealand has achieved success primarily in the domestic market and in Australia, both markets insulated from global pressures by biosecurity. Going forward, the New Zealand blueberry industry needs to transition from this ”Walled Garden” into the fast growing, but more competitive markets of East and South East Asia if growth is to continue.

Jun 2020