Investment experts are calling the demand potential of blueberries ‘simply phenomenal’.
The US is the world’s blueberry superpower in terms of production and per capita consumption. The state of Oregon alone produces more blueberries than the entire continent of Europe, while health-conscious Americans consume on average 2.2lb of the fruit each year.
However, this is all set to change as the rising middle classes in emerging market economies develop an appetite for, and the means to afford, healthy produce.
According to expert and author of the report David Garner of DGCAssetManagement.com, “Should blueberry products reach the level of market penetration of the US in markets such as China, Europe, South America and North America, then the size of the global blueberry market will expand by more than 500%”.
In China, blueberries are being marketed as a medicinal ingredient in teas and pills. The report reveals that China’s consumption is expected to triple the global blueberry market within 10 years.
“Around 80% of global production is consumed in North America, yet around half of the remaining seven billion people around the world can now afford, and more importantly want to consume blueberries in one form or another,” said David Garner. “The demand potential for this superfood crop is simply phenomenal.”
Blueberry grower prices have climbed steadily since 1992, proving their mettle as an inflation hedge. At the same time, financial yield from blueberry production shares almost zero correlation with the performance of the financial markets. Yet, despite the growing demand for blueberries worldwide, global production will increase by just 10% year-on-year according to forecasts by the North America Blueberry Council.
Experts predict that the widening gap between supply and demand will push blueberry prices to new heights, and that blueberry acreage with the right soil, water and climatic conditions represents an investment opportunity that’s ripe for the picking.
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