The Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides a snapshot of imported berry movement its its publication, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable National Shipping Point Trends.

According to the Sept. 9 report, movement of blueberries from British Columbia crossing into the state of Washington were expected to decrease. “Most sheds are finished for the season. Supplies insufficient to establish a market,” the report stated.

Looking at the category of Miscellaneous Berries, AMS reported the following of Mexico crossings through Arizona, California and Texas: “Light crossings of blackberries are being reported. However, supplies remain in too few hands to establish market. Additional shippers should begin to cross by Sept. 15. Estimate f.o.b to begin on or around Sept. 21.”

According to AMS, air shipments of miscellaneous berries from Guatemala was expected to remain “about the same.” Noting ports of entry in south Florida, AMS said, “ Supplies light. Trading fairly active. Prices higher. Cartons 12 6-ounce cups with lids, Blackberries mostly $14-$15. Quality variable.”

A first report for raspberries crossing into the Arizona, California and Texas from Mexico was provided. “Movement expected to increase seasonally. Light crossings are being reported. However, supplies remain in too few hands to establish market. Additional shippers should begin to cross by Sept. 22. Estimate f.o.b. to begin on or around Sept. 23.”

American consumers continue to seek out berries as part of a healthful diet. In an article published in The Upshot, Josh Barro noted, “According to statistics published by the United States Department of Agriculture, per capita consumption of fresh raspberries grew 475 percent from 2000 to 2012, the most recent year for which data are available. Blueberry consumption is up 411 percent, and strawberries are up 60 percent.”

Increased berry consumption has balanced out declines in the volume of apples, oranges and bananas eaten by American consumers, he added.

Although the United States is a major producer and exporter of berries, the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center provided some historic insights about berry importation to the U.S.

Blueberries: “The United States is a net importer of fresh blueberries. In 2012, the nation imported fresh blueberries valued at nearly $419.8 million, a 12-percent increase from the previous year. Just over 50 percent of the fresh blueberries originated from Chile, which provides fresh blueberries to U.S. markets during the winter months of mid-November through January. Canada provided more than 25 percent of the fresh blueberries coming into the country. Canada also provided over half of the frozen blueberries imported into the United States in 2012.”

Strawberries: “The U.S. is not only the leading strawberry producing country, but also the fourth largest importer of fresh strawberries. Fresh imports increased more than three fold during the past 12 years, reaching a record 351.27 million pounds in 2012, up 31 percent from 2011. Frozen imports reached 215 million pounds in 2012, up 10 percent from 2011. Mexico is by far the largest supplier, providing the majority of total imports. Mexican strawberries have overlapping production seasons with Florida, with most of Mexican strawberries produced and imported in winter.”

Blackberries: “In 2010, the U.S. imported 95.7 million pounds of fresh blackberries and 21.1 million pounds of frozen product. It is clear that U.S. consumption levels of blackberries, especially fresh, are trending upwards. The 2010 U.S. imported fresh blackberries were valued at $147.3 million, almost three times the 2006 fresh imported value at just $58.8 million. In contrast, 2006 and 2010 imported frozen blackberry values were very similar, totaling $10.2 million and $10.8 million, respectively, which is most likely due to high percentage of U.S. production that is frozen and stored. Mexico provided nearly all U.S. imported fresh blackberry volumes, representing a four-year annual average 95.5 percent share from 2008 to 2011. Chile dominated U.S. imports of frozen blackberries, accounting for a four-year annual average market share of 77.9 percent from 2008-2011.”

Raspberries: “To meet consumer demand, the United States imports fresh raspberries. From November through May, most imports originate from Mexico. In 2010, the United States imported 13,927 metric tons of fresh Mexican raspberries valued at $118 million. During July and August, most fresh raspberries come from Canada. In 2010, the United States imported a total of 442 metric tons of Canadian raspberries valued at $658,000.”