Blueberry
Blueberries are small, sweet berries harvested from shrubs of the genus Vaccinium. They are commonly sold fresh for direct consumption and use in food processing.
Prices, specifications and international trade for blueberry under HS 081040.
Blueberry Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Blueberry is quoted in USD/t at PER. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore blueberry pricesBlueberry Exports and Imports
Netherlands led reported blueberry exports in 2025, at $952M.
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Blueberry grading factors include Size, Color, and Firmness.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for blueberry considers Size, Color, and Firmness.
- Size
Diameter of the berry measured in millimeters; larger berries receive higher grades.
- Color
Uniform deep blue‑purple skin with a natural bloom; uneven or dull coloration lowers grade.
- Firmness
Resistance to pressure measured by a penetrometer; firmer berries are preferred for export.
- Sugar content (Brix)
Total soluble solids measured with a refractometer; higher Brix indicates sweeter fruit and higher grade.
Typical Specification Ranges
Blueberry specifications record average berry diameter, brix, moisture content. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Average berry diameter | 12–18 mm |
|---|---|
| Brix | 9.00–13 % |
| Moisture content | 84–88 % wet basis |
| Shelf life at 0 °C | 10–14 days |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for blueberry include Mold, Bruising, and Shrivel.
- Mold
Visible fungal growth on skin, often caused by excess moisture during storage.
- Bruising
Soft, discolored areas resulting from mechanical impact.
- Shrivel
Loss of turgidity leading to wrinkled appearance, usually due to dehydration.
- Foreign material
Presence of leaves, stems, or other non‑fruit material mixed with the berries.
Certifications
Certifications documented for blueberry include GlobalG.A.P., Organic, and Fair Trade. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- GlobalG.A.P.
Good Agricultural Practices certification for food safety and sustainability.
- Organic
Certification confirming compliance with organic production standards.
- Fair Trade
Certification ensuring equitable trading conditions for growers.
Blueberry Facts and HS Code
Blueberry belongs to fresh fruit within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 081040.
Blueberry HS Code
| Also known as | blueberries |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Fresh |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Fresh fruit — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 081040 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | PER |
Production & Handling
Processing steps for blueberry include Harvesting of ripe berries from fields, Initial field cleaning to remove debris, Mechanical washing and sanitising.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | High |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Chilled |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical blueberry packaging includes Clamshell trays and Bulk bags.
- Clamshell trays
Rigid PET trays with vented lids, commonly in 125 g, 250 g, and 500 g capacities.
- Bulk bags
Multi‑layer polyethylene bags for export, typically 10 kg to 25 kg net weight.
Uses & Risks
Blueberry is used in Fresh consumption, Frozen berries, and Processed food ingredients.
End Uses
- Fresh consumption
Blueberries sold directly to consumers for eating fresh, typically packaged in trays or clamshells.
- Frozen berries
Blueberries frozen after cleaning and sorting for use in smoothies, desserts and retail frozen fruit mixes.
- Processed food ingredients
Blueberries processed into jams, preserves, baked‑good fillings, sauces and confectionery.
- Beverage production
Blueberries used in the manufacture of juices, smoothies, flavored water and alcoholic beverages such as wine or liqueur.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Retail grocery and supermarket chains, Food service and hospitality, Frozen food manufacturers, Beverage producers, Confectionery and bakery manufacturers |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Cold‑chain breakage LogisticsHigh Blueberries require continuous refrigeration; interruptions can accelerate spoilage and microbial growth. | Maintain refrigerated transport at 0 °C ± 1 °C, use temperature‑monitoring devices, and ensure rapid transfer to cold storage facilities. |
Spotted wing Drosophila infestation PestHigh Spotted wing Drosophila can damage berries by laying eggs in the fruit, resulting in larval feeding and reduced quality. | Use bait traps, monitor populations regularly, and apply targeted insecticides when thresholds are exceeded. |
Cold stress during early season ClimateMedium Unseasonably low temperatures can cause frost damage to blueberry blossoms, reducing yields. | Employ frost protection measures such as wind machines, overhead irrigation, or row covers during vulnerable periods. |
Botrytis cinerea infection DiseaseMedium Blueberries are susceptible to gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea, which can lead to decay and loss of marketable fruit. | Implement proper field sanitation, apply fungicide regimes according to integrated pest management guidelines, and ensure rapid post‑harvest cooling. |
Blueberry Questions
- What are the typical quality grades for fresh blueberries?
- Fresh blueberries are commonly graded by size, color, and firmness, with categories such as U.S. No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 that reflect larger, uniformly colored berries with minimal bruising.
- How should blueberries be stored and transported to maintain freshness?
- Blueberries should be kept at temperatures between 0 °C and 2 °C with high relative humidity, and they are usually shipped in ventilated containers that allow airflow while protecting the fruit from crushing.
- What are the common packaging formats for bulk blueberry shipments?
- Bulk blueberries are typically packed in cartons or bulk bags ranging from 10 kg to 25 kg, with each unit sealed to preserve moisture and prevent contamination.