UK Blueberry Crop Grows 23% After Warm Spring Amid Rising Demand

Blueberry production is experiencing a significant boom in both the UK and the US, driven by rising consumer demand for the health benefits of this superfood and favorable growing conditions. In the UK, blueberry sales are expected to grow by 25% in 2025, aided by the warmest and sunniest spring on record, which has resulted in an early, high-quality crop with excellent flavor and shelf life. British growers are also adopting new technologies such as automated picking to improve efficiency, with companies like Hall Hunter increasing machine harvesting. Additionally, The James Hutton Institute has developed a new blueberry variety called Highland Charm, designed to thrive in Scottish Highlands' conditions, potentially boosting local production and reducing reliance on imports. Meanwhile, Maine's Wild Blueberry Commission reports improved summer conditions after a challenging spring but faces setbacks due to the loss of a significant USDA grant aimed at drought mitigation, prompting efforts to find alternative funding. In the US, the USDA also provides guidance on preserving blueberries through freezing, canning, and dehydrating to extend their availability year-round.