07/07/2010
Berries will be featured locally and internationally

The cool wet spring might have slowed the ripening of Oregon blueberries this year, but the appeal of the tasty fruit is picking up steam locally and internationally. The transition to warmer weather is also heating up the harvest of what could be a record setting crop of blueberries, allowing the industry to keep up with growing demand. Fresh berries are still a hit in Japan, but have great potential in the fast-growing economy of India, and possibly South Korea- a market not yet open to fresh blueberries from the U.S.

"Blueberries remain the popular superfood in Asia," says Amanda Welker, international trade manager with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. "The health benefits are notorious and the flavor profile fits the Asian palate well. While blueberries have been popular in eastern Asia for quite some time, Indian consumers are just learning about the fruit and its health benefits. This is a very small niche market right now, but has room for exponential growth as the Indian market matures. The benefit for Oregon is the timing of our season. We can offer a fresh fruit in the middle of India's hot and muggy summers when there is a lack of local fresh fruits in the market place."