Mexico’s Berry Production Reached 8% Growth in 2024

In 2024, Mexico's berry production experienced an 8% year-on-year growth, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), overcoming challenges like drought and unfavorable exchange rates through technological advancements. These efforts have revitalized exports and supported job creation across 22 producing states.

Juan José Flores, Director, National Association of Berry Exporters (Aneberries), highlighted that since 2022, fruit exports had been impacted by factors such as the strengthening of the peso against the dollar and drought conditions. However, in 2024, Mexico’s berry production and exports have shown signs of recovery, benefiting producers and sector collaborators across 22 producing states. The USDA forecasted Mexico's 2024 berry production to reach 81,000t, surpassing the US$3.9 billion generated in 2023.

“The past two seasons were terrible due to unfavorable exchange rates, unhelpful prices, and significant environmental challenges. Up until 2021-2022, we saw growth, but from 2022-2024, exports declined by 17%, driven by factors like currency fluctuations and macroeconomic slowdowns,” said Flores.

According to Flores, the 63,000ha of berry crops in Mexico support between 500,000 and 600,000 well-paying jobs, offering wages three to four times the minimum salary. He emphasized that over the past decade, the sector has boosted regional economic growth and created job opportunities for women, who now account for 40% of the workforce.

Alejandro Elizondo, Director of Procurement, Berries Paradise, noted that to address challenges posed by climate change and drought, the company has turned to technological advancements and genetic engineering. Utilizing drip irrigation systems and planting drought-resistant varieties that require up to 30% less water have significantly reduced water usage. In an interview with El Economista, Elizondo shared that this season, the company projects a production of 8 million 2.04kg boxes in Michoacan, Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Sinaloa. Of this production, 88% is exported to the United States and 20 other countries across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Mexico leads global berry exports. In 2023, blackberries and strawberries ranked first worldwide, generating US$777 million and US$1.2 billion in sales, respectively. Raspberries secured the second spot with US$1.3 billion. In terms of production, blackberries held the top global position with 238,122t, while strawberries and raspberries ranked second with 641,552t and 190,413t, respectively. Blueberries recorded 80,133t, ranking fifth globally and seventh in exports, with a commercial value of US$776 million.

Last year, national berry production reached 1.15Mt across 42,975ha, with Michoacan leading at 658,969t, followed by Jalisco at 184,697t, and Baja California at 140,478t.