In 2021 Mexico contributed 97.6% of the blackberry imports made by the United States, that is 123,068 tons, which represented an increase of 22.7% over the previous year, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS).

Mexico concentrates 93% of its blackberry production in the state of Michoacán, which produced 201,346 tons in 2020. Learn more about berry production in Mexico in recent years.

Previously, Mexico’s blackberry industry was based on the Brazos variety, which was developed in 1959 in Texas. Now, the industry is dominated by the Tupy variety, developed in Brazil in the 1990s.

It must also be understood that climate is a crucial factor for blackberry production, which requires humid temperate climates for optimal development, so recent heat waves in central Mexico have affected the crop in terms of fruit volume, quality and flavor.

Many growers have focused on varietal replacement, since the Tupy variety, which still predominates in terms of planted area, has been affected due to soil pathogens such as Fusarium, which in recent years has represented considerable losses for many growers.

This is why many companies already have exclusive varieties with which they are looking for higher yields and better quality, something that could undoubtedly allow a significant rebound in blackberry production within 3-5 years.

Another objective sought by berry growers is to increase the growing season, something that could be achieved with the implementation of structures such as macro tunnels. Since the price of berries is higher at the beginning and end of the season, a longer season would allow growers to obtain a larger market share.

If you want to learn more about blackberry production and marketing download and review our analysis of this crop. Download it here!

Source:

Fresh Fruit Portal. Agronometrics in Charts: High temperatures deal a heavy blow to blackberry production in Mexico
https://www.freshfruitportal.com/news/2022/05/12/agronometrics-in-charts-high-temperatures-deal-a-heavy-blow-on-blackberry-production-in-mexico/