Market Trends of Blueberry Ingredient Industry
Increased Demand for Healthy and Convenience Snack Food Products
Blueberries are among the most nutrient-dense berries as they are high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Health-conscious consumers prefer blueberry-contained food products, as blueberries decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality. Blueberries also promote hair and skin health, increased energy, and overall lower weight, which have triggered the demand for food products, including supplements containing blueberry ingredients. Increasing application of blueberry in healthy snack bars and Greek yogurt is expected to boost the market growth as consumers prefer these products as healthy snack options, as they are low in fat, contain real fruit bits, and are a rich source of calcium and protein. The market is primarily boosted by the increasing demand for healthy foods among consumers to maintain overall health. Consumers continue to seek better-for-you options in food aisles. The growing popularity of convenience, ready-to-eat foods, and on-the-go snacking is a significant factor propelling healthy snacks' growth. On-the-go products provide quick nutrition and the feeling of satiety in a busy schedule. Consumers also perceive snacks as part of a healthy diet, attributed to their controlled portions. These convenient and portable packs provide a slight energy boost during a hectic workday, thus, manufacturers incorporate blueberry ingredients to enhance the flavor as well as the nutritional content of the product. The emerging trend of healthy eating is contributing to the evolution of the snack industry by offering various healthy snack products that fulfill the growing need for on-the-go nutrition, propelling the market growth of blueberry ingredients.
North America Dominates the Blueberry Ingredient Market
The blueberry ingredient market is the major revenue contributor in the North American region. The region continues to grow significantly in terms of production acres and farming and processing efficiencies. Further, rising public awareness regarding the health benefits of blueberry is driving the market's growth. 1.37 are willing to pay more for natural and healthier ingredients as compared to conventional products, resulting in enhanced blueberry ingredient incorporation in various functional food & beverages. Furthermore, the United States and Canada are one of the world's largest producers and exporters of blueberries. Growing healthy snacking trends, increasing the application of dried blueberries in bakery goods and confectionaries, and the launch of products with dried blueberry as an ingredient is driving the demand for these berries in North America. The region remains the largest producer and consumer of blueberries, with high per capita consumption in both fresh and processed categories. According to StatCan, in 2021, approximately 1.86 kilograms of fresh blueberries were available for consumption per person in Canada, an increase from 1.37 kilograms in 2020.
In addition, the high demand for dried blueberries in the region, primarily for culinary purposes, is expected to drive the growth of the market studied. Due to the increased consumption of fruit-based beverages, the market is further pushed upwards. Moreover, blueberry extract is majorly incorporated into alcoholic beverages to enhance flavor profiles. These are the factors expected to drive the North American region's blueberry market.
