IQF Blueberry Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Conventional and Organic), By Application (Supermarket, Bakery industry, Confectionery industry and Others) and Regional Forecast to 2033

IQF BLUEBERRY MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

IQF Blueberry Market was valued at USD 1.76 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.85 billion in 2025, growing to USD 2.7 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period.

IQF blueberries are fresh blueberries that go through the freezing process from the moment they are most ripe, giving them the same qualities as fresh while in a frozen state. Quick freezing is done to rapidly lower the temperature of the berries to a point where large ice crystals do not form, as they would affect the structure of the berry. Hence, they remain quite solid in their texture because of which they can be used for almost all kinds of food preparations. This will ensure that with the IQF process, berries shall be harvested at their best time when they are most ripe and full of nutrients. They display rich colours in green, red and yellow as they are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and they are all sweet and juicy.

IQF blueberries are easily available in various pack sizes from small 400g pouches to large 30lb bulk packs to facilitate various requirements. The process of so-called individual freezing implies that the berries do not stick to one another, which makes it convenient to serve them with a teaspoon taking as many berries as needed from the package. Due to this, they are preferable in the production of salads, smoothies, bakery products and breakfast cereals and can be eaten alone. They have a minimum of 95% fully mature and ripe berries and as a consumer, it is always a surety that you get the right quality and health benefits from the preferred fruit such as blueberries.

COVID-19 Impact

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

During the pandemic, there was an increased preference for frozen foods that consequently resulted in a higher demand for products, such as IQF blueberries. This increase is due to the awareness by consumers that blueberries are healthy, more so with a heightened focus on their antioxidant value. During the cases of disease outbreaks, people looked for better ways to strengthen their immune systems and diets and because IQF blueberries are healthy, they became the preferred choice. They also have a long shelf life and can be used in many recipes, boosting demand during this period.

LATEST TRENDS

"Increased adoption of IQF technology for preserving the flavour and nutrients of blueberries to foster market growth"

A trend has taken the lead in the IQF blueberry market and is of great significance, which is owed to the efficiency of IQF applied in the food industry in maintaining the taste and nutrient content of blueberries. These technologies quickly freeze blueberries, one by one, at precision temperatures that ensure large ice crystals do not penetrate the structure of the fruit while removing moisture. Consumers have embraced the affordability of qualitative and nutritional attributes of foods, hence the need for IQF blueberries. This trend is even supported by the fact that the food industry is increasing and they require easy, flexible and relatively longer shelf-life products. These indicate that the usage of IQF blueberries in modern diets is expanding in diverse directions, ranging from drinking products such as smoothies to bakery products and breakfast products such as cereals and snacks.

IQF BLUEBERRY MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type the global market can be categorized into Conventional and Organic.

• Conventional: Conventional IQF blueberries, grown with traditional methods using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, dominate the market due to their affordability and widespread availability. They have high nutritional values and excellent amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals providing consistency in flavour and texture. These blueberries prove extremely popular for everyday use in smoothies, baking and other cooking applications, offering convenience and economy to the consumer.

• Organic: Organic IQF blueberries do not include synthetic pesticides or fertilizers in their cultivation process and are, hence, pretty environment-friendly. Moreover, it allows a good level of biodiversity. This segment forms the fastest-growing segment owing to health-conscious consumers who seek products with superior flavour and quality and higher levels of antioxidants. Though priced at a premium compared with conventional products due to farming costs associated with organic farming, quite several consumers willingly pay for such health benefits.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized into Supermarket, Bakery industry, Confectionery industry and Others.

• Supermarket: Supermarkets are the primary retail channel for IQF blueberries, offering convenient access in various packaging sizes. Shoppers prefer them for their versatility in cooking and baking. Promotional strategies, such as discounts, boost sales and trials. As health consciousness grows, supermarkets expand frozen fruit sections with organic and conventional options. E-commerce growth enhances availability, reaching a broader audience and adapting to consumer behaviours.

• Bakery industry: IQF blueberries enhance flavour and nutritional value in baked goods such as muffins, bread and pastries. Their freezing process ensures quality and consistency, making them ideal for bakers. They support product innovation in gluten-free and health-oriented recipes and offer year-round availability. IQF blueberries are so affordable and luxury-saving further in terms of reducing wastage and spoilage through unnecessary oxidizing of products to be sustained at standards.

• Confectionery industry: In this industry, IQF enhances flavour and is in line with the growing trend for confectionery not containing artificial colourants. Their vibrant colour boosts visual appeal, while innovative products such as yoghurt-covered blueberries attract health-conscious consumers. Sourced from sustainable farms, IQF blueberries support environmentally responsible practices and reduce food waste, making them a wholesome addition to candies, chocolates and snacks.

• Others: IQF blueberries are versatile, used in smoothies, sauces, breakfast items and beyond. The food service industry, including restaurants and cafes, incorporates them into desserts, salads and beverages. Health products such as protein bars and meal replacements leverage their nutritional benefits. The rise of frozen meal kits includes IQF blueberries and ongoing research explores new applications to meet emerging consumer trends.

DRIVING FACTORS

"Increasing consumer awareness about health and convenience foods to bolster the market"

The growing population and increasing consumer consciousness towards quick-to-prepare and healthy food products are together bolstering the global IQF blueberry market growth. The focus on healthy lifestyles also means people look for healthy foods that can also be prepared easily. Frozen blueberries called IQF retain the flavour, texture and health-bolstering capacity of fresh berries and meet this need well. They are also very customer-friendly and not just for drinking but can also be used in recipes for making smoothies, baked products, snacks and even in meal packs thus making it a preferred product for health-conscious individuals. This trend is supported by the convenience factor that is provided by IQF blueberries which are easy to use do not require cooking and are available once again eliminating the need to shop for groceries often. It also increases the market due to high quality and high availability of products throughout the year, as opposed to seasonal factors.

"Consumer Demand for Healthy and Convenient Foods"

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), frozen fruits, including IQF blueberries, have seen a steady increase in consumption due to their long shelf life and ease of use in a variety of healthy food options, such as smoothies and baked goods. The USDA's Frozen Fruit Consumption Report indicates that frozen fruit sales in the U.S. increased by 9% from 2020 to 2022, with blueberries accounting for a significant share.

"Increase in Blueberry Production and Export"

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) reports that U.S. blueberry production has been growing steadily, with 2023 seeing an estimated 1.3 billion pounds of blueberries harvested. A large portion of this is used for the IQF market, with approximately 35% of the annual blueberry production being exported to international markets, particularly in Europe and Asia, which further boosts demand for IQF blueberries.

"Development of diversified food products to increase the market"

The use of IQF blueberries in various food products is experiencing a shift as these products continue to make their way into the market. IQF blueberries are popular in smoothies due to their attractive colour and great taste besides their nutritional value, which positively impacts the qualities of the smoothies. In desserts, they are used to provide a fruity taste and feel that enhances both flavour and design to products such as ice creams, yoghurt and cake. Another application that makes significant use of IQF blueberries is in the bakery products including muffins, breads, pastries and other baked delicacies where the blueberries have the right texture and quality throughout the production process. These berries are furthermore making their way into new products such as non-dairy snacks with a yoghurt coating and fruit-based energy bars to meet the demands of those longing for a nutritious treat. The chance to purchase IQF blueberries irrespective of the season also increases their versatility in various dishes.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

"Price volatility to decrease due to the cyclical nature of blueberry production constraining market advancement"

Seasonal variations of the blueberries can be observed which results in supply constraints and price fluctuations that are not ideal for IQF blueberries. A large part of the blueberries depends on the weather conditions and fluctuations in the weather may lead to reduced yields and sometimes loss, due to frost, drought or heavy rainfall. Such changes lead to gaps in the supply and prices tend to rise high when the demand is high or when there is a low supply due to poor harvest. Such volatility affects not only consumer price levels but also the planning and production performance of companies that rely heavily on the supply of IQF blueberries. Sustainable demand and pricing may be an issue because manufacturers and retailers can fail to set proper expectations or meet them and this dulls market growth and stability. As a result, the changes in the supply chain and the effect of these fluctuations on enhancing production costs provide extra challenges in maintaining a constant market presence for IQF blueberries.

OPPORTUNITIES

"Rising Global Demand for Frozen Fruits "

The global frozen fruit market has witnessed a 35% rise in demand over the past five years, with IQF blueberries gaining traction in smoothies and bakery products.

"Expanding Export Potential "

Leading blueberry-producing nations have increased exports by over 25% in the last three years, with IQF blueberries accounting for a significant share in processed fruit shipments.

CHALLENGES

"Fluctuations in Blueberry Yield "

Adverse weather conditions have led to a 20% decline in blueberry production in key regions, impacting the steady supply of IQF blueberries.

"High Storage and Transportation Costs "

Maintaining the cold chain for IQF blueberries adds nearly 30% to operational costs, making it challenging for small-scale producers to compete in the market.

IQF BLUEBERRY MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Middle East & Africa.

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"North America region has dominated the market due to the presence of an established food processing industry"

North America takes the global IQF blueberry market share because of a developed and advanced food processing system that makes distribution more effective for such products. The area has the facilities and infrastructure of the latest generation for food preservation, making processing and distributing IQF blueberries possible. IQF blueberries have a wide availability and accessibility due to the presence of well-developed supply chain networks with strong relations among major food processing companies, food supplier companies and food retailers. Moreover, the concern for the health and well-being of consumers in North America has also spurred the need for healthy convenient products that are readily available, making the market stronger. Some key factors that make it possible include the availability of large-scale commercial blueberry farms, good agricultural practices and sound policies that provide a continuous stock of fresh blueberries for IQF processing. All these factors put together have helped North America to take the leading position in the market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key industry players are focusing on responsible sourcing strategies and certifications for market opportunities"

Key industry players operating in the IQF blueberry market are focusing on adopting the sustainable sourcing technique and securing ethical certifications to cater to the demand of health-savvy consumers. This strategy entails specializing in organic IQF blueberries that are cultivated without the use of artificial pesticides or chemical fertilisers, which is in line with environmental conservation and an emerging trend in the consumption of less processed, safer foods. Organic blueberries are considered superior mainly because consumers associate them with a natural way of growing produce with positive nutritional and health values. Also, natural and relatively ethical certification of products, using tags such as Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance, make these products even more attractive to consumers. This is because, with the current increased awareness of the consequences of devastating the natural environment, clients are willing to work with companies that employ sustainable packaging and reliable sourcing standards respectively.

List of Market Players Profiled

• Stahlbush Island Farms (U.S.)
• Jasper Wyman & Son (U.S.)
• Scenic Fruit Company (U.S.)
• SunOpta (U.S.)
• Merrill Blueberry Farms Inc (U.S.)
• Imperial Frozen Foods (U.S.)
• Patagonia Foods (U.S.)
• Maine Wild Blueberry Co (U.S.)
• Allen's Blueberry Freezer (U.S.)
• Royal Ridge Fruits (U.S.)
• Franklin Processing Inc. (U.S.)
• Bleuets Mistassini Ltée (Canada)
• Quebec Wild Blueberries (Canada)
• Oxford Frozen Foods (Canada)
• Del Carmen Fruits (Mexico)
• Congeladora Anáhuac S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
• Berries del Plata S.A. (Argentina)
• Europol Frost-Food GmbH (Germany)
• Allfood (Germany)
• SonderJansen (Netherlands)
• Davis Food Ingredients Ltd (U.K.)
• Creative Gourmet (Australia)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

July 2025: Key Technology introduces the COMPASS® optical sorter for IQF products, designed to improve food safety and product quality through the identification and removal of FM and defects. Ideal for various products, COMPASS offers an intuitive user interface, recipe-driven programming and advanced in-air inspection. Its ergonomic, washdown-compatible design simplifies operation, cleaning and maintenance, ensuring consistent and accurate sorting with minimal false rejects.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.