New reports highlight growing economic impact of US and imported blueberries, supporting US job growth and economic activity  

US blueberry growers and importers have delivered a powerhouse crop contributing nearly US$9.1bn in annual economic impact to the US economy, according to recent impact reports from the US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). 

US blueberries closeup Adobe

“The new reports reaffirm what our industry has long recognised – blueberry growers have a powerful and positive impact on the US economy,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC. “Thanks to the ongoing commitment of growers and our import partners, blueberries are available to consumers year-round, contributing to spending that helps create and maintain thousands of jobs and delivers billions in economic activity nationwide.” 

The reports found that the US blueberry industry creates and sustains 61,676 full-time equivalent jobs each year and generates US$3.3bn in labour income annually. The industry also generates about US$277.9mn each year in indirect business taxes, not including income taxes, from both domestic growers and import partners.  

“The economic impact of blueberry growers is both far-reaching and deeply rooted in the US economy,” said Cronquist. “From job creation to tax revenue, blueberry growers fuel sustained economic activity in every region of the country.” 

National economic impact 

In the US specifically, the US highbush blueberry industry accounts for US$6.7bn in annual economic impact, or about US$18.3mn per day, while creating and sustaining 49,260 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the business activities of US growers. Additionally, US highbush blueberry growers generate nearly US$2.4bn in labour income each year, equating to about US$6.7mn per day, and indirect business taxes generated by grower spending totals nearly US$193.1mn annually, or US$529,000 per day, not including income taxes.   

Eight states lead the way in US highbush blueberry production, each contributing significantly to their state’s local economy and to the industry’s overall economic footprint. According to the 2025 study, these states account for a substantial share of economic impact and jobs created. Georgia leads the eight contributing US$917.3mn annually followed by Washington at US$710.6mn annually and California with US$564.2mn annually. Michigan contributes US$529.4mn annually, Oregan US$467.6mn, Florida US$414.9mn, New Jersey US$215.8mn and North Carolina US$164.5mn. 

Impact from imported blueberries  

To meet strong, year-round consumer demand, the US relies on imported blueberries from trade partners in Canada, Chile, Mexico and Peru. These imports complement domestic production during seasonal gaps. 

According to the 2025 economic impact study, imported blueberries account for nearly US$2.4bn in annual US economic impact, the creation of 12,415 full-time equivalent US jobs, US$876.2mn in US labour income, and US$84.8mn in indirect business taxes generated by importer spending.