Strawberries market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh strawberries market in South America expanded significantly between 2018 and 2023, with volume growing from 342 thousand tons to 479 thousand tons. This increase was accompanied by an even sharper rise in market value, from $872 million to $1.6 billion, reflecting higher unit prices or a shift toward more valuable product segments. The most pronounced jump occurred in 2020, when market volume surged by over 90 thousand tons.

Industry developments observed by 2024 included Peru's sustained growth in frozen strawberry exports, driven by international demand, and rising domestic consumption of fresh, healthy fruit. Producers adopted technologies like drip irrigation and certified genetics to boost productivity. Globally, factors such as increased transport costs and advances in controlled-atmosphere storage technology influenced supply chains, while health-conscious trends and expanding e-commerce reinforced consumer interest in strawberries.

Production strawberries in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of strawberries, 2017-2020

World map of production of strawberries, 2017-2020

South America's strawberry production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the region produced 431.5 thousand tonnes of strawberries, marking a 27.2% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 20.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 339.2 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's strawberry production value recovered following a two-year decrease. In 2020, the output was valued at 929 million US dollars, representing an 11.8% year-over-year gain. However, between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 28.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 831 million US dollars, with the steepest drop occurring in 2018 at 32.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports strawberries from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Strawberry exports from South America reached their lowest point in 2020 at 260.4 tonnes, reflecting a 61.7% decrease compared to 2019. In contrast, the peak occurred in 2018 at 715.3 tonnes, representing a 117.1% increase from the previous year. The difference between the highest and lowest export volumes was 2.7 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Panama remained the primary destinations for South American strawberry exports in volume terms, together accounting for 90.1% of total exports. Other countries made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

South America's strawberry export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 561 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 66.3% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 52.8%, with a compound annual decline rate of 22.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 823 thousand US dollars, which represented a 53.5% increase from 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain and Panama continued to be the main export markets in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.1% of total export flows. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020

Imports strawberries to South America

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. South America's strawberry imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 45.5 tonnes, marking a 70.3% decline from the previous year. By 2020, imports had risen to 90.3 tonnes, representing a 52.4% increase compared to 2019. The difference between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2018 was 3.4 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and China remained the key sources for strawberry imports to South America in volume terms, together accounting for 40.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Import value reached its lowest point in 2018 at 133 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 64.8% decrease. It then peaked in 2019 at 398 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 199.8% increase. By 2020, import value had fallen to 300 thousand US dollars, representing a 24.7% decline compared to 2019. The difference between the 2019 peak and 2018 trough was 3 times.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (59.7% of import value), China (2.7%), and Germany (1.3%) continued to lead as suppliers of strawberries to South America. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.7% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020