I have just returned from Mumbai after spending two days at Fresh India Show 2026, where I joined our licensed partners, FD Berries India, to discuss the future of blueberry production in the country and meet with growers from across the Indian horticultural sector.

Having visited India several times over recent years, one of the most encouraging observations is how quickly conversations around blueberries are evolving. Not long ago, discussions centred on whether blueberries could be successfully grown in India. Today, growers are asking much more sophisticated questions about genetics, production systems, market opportunities and long-term profitability.

As part of the conference programme, I delivered a presentation exploring both the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. The opportunity is undoubtedly significant. India is home to almost 1.5 billion people, including a rapidly growing middle class that is increasingly seeking healthy, premium fresh produce. Blueberries fit perfectly within these trends, yet consumption remains extremely low compared to established markets such as the United States and Europe.

This gap represents one of the most exciting opportunities for blueberry producers anywhere in the world.

Together with the FD Berries India team, we met a large number of blueberry professionals during the event. These included growers with existing commercial plantations, investors evaluating future opportunities and businesses actively seeking the best genetics for Indian conditions. What impressed me most was the seriousness with which many are approaching the crop. There is a growing recognition that success in blueberries requires much more than simply planting bushes; it requires the right varieties, strong technical knowledge, suitable production systems and a commitment to quality throughout the supply chain.

Naturally, genetics featured heavily in many of our discussions. Through our partnership with the University of Georgia breeding programme, FD Berries India is introducing a number of exciting low-chill varieties to the market, including Maverick, Gladiator, Tropical Blue and Sweet Duchess.

These varieties have been developed specifically for warmer production regions and offer many of the characteristics needed for success in India, including low-chill adaptation, excellent fruit quality, strong firmness, attractive size and the shelf-life required to support commercial supply chains. Interest in these varieties was evident throughout the event, particularly from growers looking to establish new plantings using modern genetics rather than older cultivars that may struggle to meet future market expectations.

Alongside genetics, discussions frequently returned to production systems, technical support and cold-chain development. While challenges remain, particularly around maintaining fruit quality from farm to consumer, there is a growing willingness among Indian growers to adopt substrate-based systems, invest in infrastructure and learn from successful blueberry industries around the world.

One of the key takeaways from Fresh India Show was the importance of strong local partnerships. FD Berries India continues to play a vital role in introducing world-class genetics while providing the technical support needed to help growers succeed. In emerging industries such as this, local expertise and grower engagement are just as important as the genetics themselves.

Having worked with blueberry growers across multiple continents, I firmly believe that successful industries are built on consistent quality. Consumers return when they have a positive eating experience, and that starts with the combination of the right genetics, good agronomy and effective supply chains.

India’s blueberry industry is still in its early stages, but the progress being made is undeniable. The enthusiasm, professionalism and investment on display in Mumbai give me great confidence that the foundations are being laid for a bright future. If the industry continues on its current trajectory, supported by innovative growers, strong local partners and world-class genetics, India has the potential to become one of the most exciting blueberry growth markets in the world over the coming decade.

To put the opportunity into perspective, global blueberry consumption averages approximately 260 grams per person per year, while in the United States it exceeds 1.3 kilograms per person. Should India move even a small way towards these consumption levels, the potential demand for blueberries would be transformational, creating significant opportunities for growers, nurseries, marketers and retailers alike.