The country shows encouraging signs as growers increasingly focus on genetics, quality and commercial viability, says GPG’s Jamie Petchell
India’s emerging blueberry industry continues to gather momentum, according to Jamie Petchell, co-Founder and director of Global Plant Genetics (GPG), following his recent visit to Fresh India Show 2026 in Mumbai.
Petchell attended the event alongside representatives from FD Berries India, GPG’s licensed partner for University of Georgia (UGA) blueberry varieties in the country.
During the two-day exhibition and conference, the team met with a broad range of industry stakeholders, including existing blueberry growers, prospective investors, nursery operators and technical specialists interested in the future development of the crop.
Speaking during the conference programme, Petchell outlined both the opportunities and challenges facing India’s blueberry sector, describing the country as one of the most exciting long-term growth markets for blueberries globally.
“India is still in the early stages of blueberry production, but the level of interest and professionalism we are now seeing is highly encouraging,” he said.
“The conversations have evolved significantly. Growers are increasingly focused on identifying the right genetics, production systems and market strategies needed to build commercially successful businesses.”
India’s population of almost 1.5bn people, combined with a rapidly expanding middle class and growing interest in healthy, premium fresh produce, presents a significant opportunity for category growth, he pointed out.
However, domestic blueberry production remains relatively small and per-capita consumption is currently only a fraction of that seen in more established markets.
According to Petchell, this creates substantial potential for future expansion, provided the industry continues to focus on quality and long-term development.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of genetics. Through its partnership with the University of Georgia breeding programme, FD Berries India is introducing low-chill varieties including Maverick, Gladiator, Tropical Blue and Sweet Duchess to Indian growers.
These varieties have been developed for warmer growing regions and offer traits considered critical for success in India, including low-chill adaptation, fruit firmness, shelf-life, flavour and attractive fruit size.
“There was considerable interest in modern genetics from growers attending the event,” noted Petchell.
“Many are looking beyond simply establishing blueberry plantings and are instead focusing on selecting varieties capable of delivering the fruit quality and consistency required by both retailers and consumers.”
Alongside genetics, growers highlighted the importance of production systems, technical support and cold-chain infrastructure.
While challenges remain, particularly in maintaining fruit quality throughout the supply chain, Petchell observed a growing willingness among Indian producers to invest in substrate-based growing systems and modern production practices.
He also highlighted the role being played by FD Berries India in supporting the industry’s development.
“Strong local partnerships are essential when introducing a new crop category into an emerging market,” he said.
“FD Berries India is helping to connect world-class genetics with local expertise, technical support and grower engagement. Those elements are equally important for long-term success.”
Drawing on experience from blueberry industries around the world, Petchell said he believes India’s future growth will ultimately depend on delivering a consistently positive consumer experience.
“Consumers return when they enjoy the product,” he explained. “That starts with the right genetics, good agronomy and an effective supply chain capable of delivering high-quality fruit to market.”
While acknowledging that India’s blueberry sector remains at an early stage, Petchell feels the foundations for future growth are being established.
“The enthusiasm, investment and professionalism we encountered in Mumbai were extremely encouraging,” he said.
“If the industry continues to focus on quality, innovation and collaboration, India has the potential to become one of the most exciting blueberry growth markets in the world over the coming decade.”
To illustrate the scale of the opportunity, Petchell noted that global blueberry consumption averages approximately 260g per person annually, while consumption in the US exceeds 1.3kg per person.
Even modest increases in Indian consumption could create substantial opportunities throughout the supply chain, from nurseries and growers to marketers and retailers, he concluded.
