The blueberry stands out as the professional pick from the assortment of fruits in the basket.
Blueberries: The Rise of the Superfood
The blueberry, once a humble addition to grandma's jam, has transformed into the star attraction in the produce aisle. This shift in popularity is evident in the numbers and consumer behavior.
Germans, for instance, have a remarkable fondness for the tiny blue berries. A recent survey by YouGov, commissioned by the German Press Agency, reveals that almost half (47%) of those who eat fruit named the blueberry as their preferred fruit. The raspberry narrowly leads the way with 53% of the votes, while the blackberry and currant trail behind with 31% and 24% respectively, allowing room for the blueberry to shine.
This surge in popularity is not a fleeting trend nor is it limited to Germany. Over the past decade, blueberry acreage has expanded significantly, resulting in the fruit's ubiquitous presence in supermarkets and social media feeds. According to the Federal Statistical Office, blueberries were the most important shrub berry cultivated in Germany in 2024, with an area of 3,500 hectares - a number that continues to grow.
Blueberries have captured the attention of the public for various reasons. For one, they are rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin E, manganese, and antioxidants. These nutritional qualities have led to the labeling of blueberries as "superfoods." Furthermore, blueberries are convenient to consume compared to other berries, as they can be stored for a longer period due to their thick skin and low rate of spoilage. As a result, they have become an ideal snack for the "convenience generation."
Coupled with effective marketing strategies, blueberries have gained substantial traction as a trendy and healthy snack option. In some countries, cinemas even offer blueberries as a popcorn alternative. Despite their global popularity, it is worth noting that the transportation of these far-traveled fruits may contribute to higher carbon emissions due to extended shipping distances.
Source: ntv.de, Jonas-Erik Schmidt, dpa
- Health
- Nutrition
- Vegan Nutrition
- Vegetarian Nutrition
- Food
- In line with the rise of the superfood blueberry, numerous community policies have emerged, emphasizing the importance of health and nutrition education.
- Employment policies across the food-and-drink sector, particularly in health-and-wellness and lifestyle industries, have been amended to accommodate the increasing demand for blueberry products, reflecting the fruit's popularity as a vegan and vegetarian food choice.
