U.S Berries Market - Forecast(2025 - 2031)

U.S Berries Market Overview:

U.S Berries Market size is estimated to reach US$15.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030. High nutritional value and health benefits associated with berries fuel their demand in the U.S, as more consumers are increasing aware of what their eat and the impact on their health, there is a growing demand for produce that impart vitamins and antioxidants which berries are naturally high in. Berries are a staple in desserts, beverages and breakfast menus which supports the increased demand for products such as smoothies, flavored dairy and other food and beverage products. Additionally, berries are also being used in cosmetics and in supplements owing to their high antioxidant content in line with the demand for natural ingredients. 

A key trend is the rising demand for clean label foods. Clean-label foods have become a dominant trend in the U.S. Consumers are increasingly seeking minimally processed foods made with natural ingredients and free from artificial additives. Berries, with their natural sweetness, rich flavor, and vibrant color, perfectly align with this demand. The snackification trend in the U.S. is transforming eating habits with berries emerging as a key component. Consumers are moving away from traditional meals toward smaller, more frequent snacking occasions. Berries, either fresh, dried or freeze-dried forms, are increasingly incorporated into snack products like trail mixes, yogurt parfaits and bars. In May 2024, CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, announced the launch of Well Market, a new store brand consumables line featuring snacks, beverages and groceries, some of which include Blueberry Pomegranate Trail Mix Bites, Super Fruit Protein-Boosted Granola, Cinnamon Goji Protein-Boosted Oatmeal and Berry Vanilla Protein-Boosted Oatmeal. This represents the U.S Berry Industry Outlook during the forecast period.

Market Snapshot: 

U.S Berries Market - Report Coverage:

The “U.S Berries Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the U.S Berries Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the U.S. berry industry. Disruptions in the global supply chain led to challenges in importing essential materials like packaging and fertilizers. Additionally, labor shortages arose due to border closures and travel restrictions which impacted berry harvesting and processing. While retail sales increased as consumers turned to fresh produce for home-cooked meals and baking activities. 
The Russian-Ukraine war had a significant impact on the agricultural market, including the U.S berry industry. The war disrupted the supply chains of essential inputs like fertilizer and fuel, driving up production costs for U.S berry growers. Additionally, the conflict created uncertainty and volatility in global markets affecting the demand for U.S. berries and impacting export opportunities.

Key Takeaways

Strawberries are the Largest Segment

Strawberries dominate the U.S. berries market as the largest segment driven by their broad appeal and versatility. Consumers frequently purchase strawberries for use in fresh desserts, salads, smoothies and as snacks. Their vibrant flavor, high vitamin C content and ease of incorporation into various recipes further fuel their popularity. The commercial demand for strawberries is bolstered by their presence in processed foods such as jellies, flavored dairy and confectionery. California is the leading producer in the U.S supplying most of the fresh and frozen strawberries consumed nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the California cultivates around 90% of the annual strawberry crop, followed by Florida at about 8% and most of the remaining portion is split between New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington. According to data from the annual acreage survey conducted by the California Strawberry Commission (CSC), California's strawberry acreage is poised for a 1.4% increase in 2024, reaching 40,865 acres. This growth mirrors a consistent upward trend in acreage since 2019, signifying the state's commitment to meeting the demands of both domestic and international markets. The availability of strawberries year-round thanks to advanced agricultural practices and imports ensures consistent demand.

Conventional is the Largest Segment 

Conventional berries dominate the U.S. market as the largest segment due to their cost-effectiveness and higher yields compared to organic varieties. Most consumers prioritize affordability and availability which conventional cultivation methods reliably provide. According to USDA data, conventional strawberry prices averaged $2.48 per kg in week 12 2024 while organic strawberry prices averaged $3.66 per kg in week 12. Advances in agricultural practices have improved the quality and supply of conventionally grown berries, ensuring they meet consumer expectations for taste and appearance. Additionally, conventional berries are widely available in supermarkets, hypermarkets and local stores further solidifying their dominance. The foodservice industry, including restaurants and bakeries, also favors conventionally grown berries due to their lower cost and consistent quality. Despite the rise in organic options, conventional berries remain the preferred choice for a majority of consumers.

 Frozen Berries to Grow the Fastest 

Frozen berries are expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period as consumers seek convenient, long-lasting and nutritious food options. Frozen berries retain their nutritional value and are available year-round making them an attractive choice. They are widely used in smoothies, desserts and baked goods aligning with trends in healthy eating and meal prep. The rise of e-commerce platforms and increased freezer space in retail outlets further boost sales of frozen berries. In September 2024, Belgian frozen fruit and vegetable supplier, Crop's expanded its operations in the US, by acquiring the frozen food business of American food company National Cortina. Crop's imports and distributes frozen fruits and vegetables in the US through One Frozen, a joint venture between Crop's and US company LiDestri Foods. The announced acquisition will see National Cortina replace LiDestri Foods in the joint venture. Additionally, the HoReCa sector increasingly relies on frozen berries due to their extended shelf life and consistent quality. Growing awareness of food waste reduction also drives the adoption of frozen berries.

Rising Health & Wellness Focus Drives the Market

The increasing focus on health and wellness among U.S. consumers significantly drives the demand for berries. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and other essential nutrients, berries are widely recognized as superfoods that help combat chronic diseases, enhance immune health and promote overall well-being. For instance, raspberries contain nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, niacin, riboflavin, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin K, per the USDA. According to Cavernoma Society, red raspberries can reduce the risk of metabolically based chronic diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. As more consumers prioritize nutrient-rich, low-calorie food options, berries have become a staple in healthy diets, smoothies and fitness-centric meal plans. Their versatility in fresh, frozen, or processed forms further enhances their appeal, with applications ranging from breakfast bowls to desserts.

Recalls to Hamper Growth

Recalls of berries presents challenges in U.S food market due to concerns over safety, handling and storage. Fresh and frozen produce is vulnerable to contamination and the FDA has stringent laws governing this to ensure food safety. An outbreak of hepatitis A was investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state public health partners, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported. As a result, if a product fails safety checks, a recall is issued. In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon voluntarily recalled frozen, organic strawberries sold to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states. On March 17, 2023, the retailer Meijer also issued a voluntarily recall of Made-With brand frozen, organic strawberries from certain market store locations. However, such recalls may result in consumers switching to a different brand due to trust issues over product safety.  
 
Key Market Players: 

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the U.S Berries Market. The top 10 companies in the U.S Berries Market are:
1. Driscoll’s, Inc.
2. Dole Plc 
3. Naturipe Farms, LLC
4. Farmacopia Farms
5. Atlantic Blueberry Company
6. American Berry Company
7. Reiter Affiliated Companies (RAC)
8. Bobalu Berries
9. Wyman’s Blueberries
10. JW Farms Organic

Scope of Report: 

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