In 2024, the fresh strawberry industry in the United States experienced significant growth in exports, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The volume of fresh strawberry exports increased by 20% year over year to a total of 351.5 million pounds, reaching a new high for the industry valued at $570.3 million. This surge in exports propelled strawberries to become the third most valuable fresh fruit exported, trailing only behind apples and grapes and surpassing oranges and cherries in terms of value.
The leading destination for fresh U.S. strawberries is Canada, followed closely by Mexico, where the share and volume of domestic supply exports have seen a notable increase in recent years. Processed strawberry exports, primarily consisting of frozen fruit, account for approximately 8% of total exports by value. In 2024, frozen strawberry export volumes rebounded significantly, increasing by 42% year-over-year to 31.1 million pounds. The primary destinations for frozen strawberry exports in 2024 were Mexico, Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
Despite the growth in exports, imports of fresh strawberries saw a slight decrease of less than 1%, totaling 585.4 million pounds year over year. This decline breaks a five-year streak of increasing import volumes but remains close to the record high of 588.6 million pounds seen in 2023. Mexico plays a crucial role in supplying fresh strawberry imports to the United States, accounting for 98% of the import volume, particularly when domestic supplies are lower.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mexico’s strawberry production is projected to increase, driven by both domestic and export demand. The majority of Mexico’s strawberry production is concentrated in regions such as Baja California, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. In terms of processed strawberries, imports were valued at $373.4 million in 2024, representing a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Frozen strawberries make up the majority of imported processed strawberries, with the remaining portion consisting of prepared or preserved items like jams, pastes, and purees.
In the U.S., strawberry plantings are expected to increase in 2025, particularly in California and Florida. The California Strawberry Commission (CSC) projects a 13% increase in strawberry acreage planting in California, marking the fifth consecutive year of growth in acreage. In Florida, there has been a significant 60% increase in acreage since 2019/20, with nearly 90% of this acreage located in Hillsborough County and Manatee County in the Tampa Bay area of Central Florida.
Overall, the strawberry industry in the United States is experiencing positive growth trends in both exports and domestic production. With continued demand for fresh and processed strawberries both domestically and internationally, the industry is poised for further expansion in the coming years. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in the strawberry industry.
