Soft Fruit Market Size | Growth Forecast To 2033

Soft Fruit Market Overview

Global Soft Fruit Market size is anticipated to be valued at USD 12.13 million in 2024, with a projected growth to USD 18.07 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.53%.

The global soft fruit market is experiencing steady expansion due to growing health consciousness and increasing demand for natural, vitamin-rich produce. In 2024, global production of strawberries surpassed 9.2 million metric tons, followed by raspberries at 1.0 million metric tons, blueberries at 850,000 metric tons, and blackberries at 270,000 metric tons. According to soft fruit market research reports, soft fruits account for over 20% of the global fruit segment by volume. The soft fruit market analysis indicates that strawberries dominate with a 43% market share, followed by blueberries with 21%. Rising urban consumption patterns and the expansion of organic farming have led to an 18% increase in organic soft fruit exports between 2022 and 2024.

Developments in cold chain logistics have improved the shelf life of soft fruits by 30%, directly influencing cross-border trade volumes. In 2023, Spain exported 330,000 metric tons of strawberries, while the U.S. accounted for 40% of global blueberry exports. The soft fruit industry report also notes that demand from bakery and dairy applications increased by 12% from 2022 to 2024, boosting processing capacities across the European Union and North America. Soft fruit market forecasts show increased consumption across beverage manufacturers, with juice blends incorporating berry extracts growing by 23% in retail sales.

The U.S. soft fruit market remains the largest in North America, accounting for 31% of the region’s fresh fruit consumption. In 2024, the U.S. produced approximately 1.7 million metric tons of strawberries, with California contributing 86% of the national output. The U.S. also leads in blueberry production, with Michigan, Georgia, and Oregon collectively yielding 350,000 metric tons in 2024. Imports have also risen—Chile supplied 190,000 metric tons of blueberries during the U.S. off-season in 2023.

Consumer demand for organic soft fruit varieties grew by 22% year-on-year due to increased awareness of pesticide-free produce. According to a soft fruit market research report, over 62% of retail soft fruit purchases in the U.S. occur through supermarkets, while 21% are made via online platforms. Fresh consumption holds a dominant position, contributing 64% of soft fruit sales. The U.S. soft fruit market insights show a strong correlation with clean-label food trends and functional beverage developments, with 38% of consumers preferring mixed-berry blends in smoothies and yogurts. The expansion of vertical farming technology added 17 new soft fruit greenhouse facilities across Texas, Arizona, and Florida between 2023 and 2024, increasing indoor yields by 19%.

Key Findings

Key Market Driver: 63% rise in consumer demand for antioxidant-rich fruits is driving sales of blueberries and raspberries in developed markets.

Major Market Restraint: 42% of soft fruit growers reported post-harvest losses due to inadequate cold storage and logistics issues.

Emerging Trends: 48% growth in demand for ready-to-eat soft fruit snack packs is reshaping packaging innovation across retail channels.

Regional Leadership: Europe accounts for 36% of global soft fruit consumption, with Spain, Poland, and the UK leading regional production volumes.

Competitive Landscape: Driscoll’s and BerryWorld hold a combined 28% global soft fruit market share, positioning them as dominant players in export chains.

Market Segmentation: Strawberries represent 43%, blueberries 21%, raspberries 17%, and blackberries 9% of the total soft fruit volume consumed globally.

Recent Development: 54% of soft fruit manufacturers adopted AI-based sorting systems to reduce waste and improve grading efficiency since 2023.

Soft Fruit Market Latest Trends

The soft fruit market trends are being shaped by technological interventions, consumer preferences for natural food sources, and increased investments in sustainable farming. Between 2023 and 2024, more than 45% of soft fruit producers incorporated precision agriculture tools, which helped improve yield predictability by 27%. Vertical farming and greenhouse-based production systems now contribute 12% of the total soft fruit supply in urban markets, according to soft fruit market reports. The integration of IoT-based moisture and pH sensors has reduced irrigation costs by 15%, enhancing eco-efficiency in soft fruit cultivation.

Organic soft fruit varieties saw a 19% increase in cultivation acreage globally between 2022 and 2024, driven by rising demand in North America and Europe. The number of retail SKUs featuring mixed berry snacks rose by 33% from 2022 to 2024, indicating a rise in health-oriented, on-the-go snacking trends. The soft fruit industry analysis indicates that frozen soft fruits are becoming a key segment, with retail shelf space increasing by 26% for frozen berry products in 2024 alone. These innovations are largely targeting convenience-driven consumers in urban areas.

Soft Fruit Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for antioxidant-rich and functional foods.

The surge in consumer focus on health and immunity has led to a 63% growth in the consumption of antioxidant-rich soft fruits. Blueberries, with 9.2 milligrams of anthocyanins per gram, have seen the sharpest rise in global demand. A 2024 nutrition survey across Europe indicated that 58% of consumers associated berry consumption with disease prevention and improved cognition. The popularity of functional drinks infused with raspberry and blackberry extracts grew by 21%, especially in North America and Japan. Additionally, demand for superfoods in the foodservice sector increased by 19% year-on-year, further driving soft fruit utilization.

RESTRAINT

Limited shelf life and post-harvest losses.

Post-harvest losses remain a major bottleneck in the soft fruit industry. Around 42% of soft fruit producers reported significant spoilage within 72 hours of harvest due to lack of cold chain logistics in rural areas. Berries like raspberries and blackberries have a shelf life of 3–5 days, which restricts their viability for distant export markets. According to soft fruit market reports, 18% of export shipments were delayed in 2023 due to customs clearance issues, leading to wastage and price volatility. The absence of real-time tracking during transit further contributed to quality degradation.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of organic and vertical farming systems.

The expansion of organic farming created 85,000 hectares of new certified soft fruit plantations between 2022 and 2024. In addition, vertical farming units in Europe grew by 37%, allowing year-round production irrespective of climate disruptions. This presented scalable models for urban farming in regions like the UAE and Singapore. Controlled-environment agriculture helped reduce pesticide usage by 60% and water consumption by 40%, offering a sustainable approach for producers. Retailers across Germany, Netherlands, and the U.S. increased their soft fruit organic portfolios by 24% in 2024.

CHALLENGE

Climatic vulnerabilities and labor shortages.

Unpredictable weather patterns caused a 16% reduction in raspberry yields across Poland and Hungary in 2023 due to late frosts. Prolonged droughts in California led to a 12% decrease in strawberry output, compelling producers to reduce field planting. Meanwhile, the soft fruit industry in Chile and Peru faced a 21% rise in labor costs amid seasonal worker shortages. In the UK, Brexit-related labor migration restrictions reduced harvesting workforce availability by 28%, directly impacting yield per hectare. Mechanization remains limited due to the delicate nature of berry harvesting, making automation adoption challenging.

Soft Fruit Market Segmentation

The soft fruit market segmentation is primarily based on type and application. Type-wise, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, and gooseberries are key product categories. Applications include fresh consumption, processed foods, beverages, bakery, and dairy. According to soft fruit market insights, fresh consumption dominates with 61% share, while beverage applications are growing rapidly with 19% share. Strawberries lead by type due to year-round availability, while blueberries are gaining traction due to higher nutritional value. Market segmentation also reflects regional preferences, with raspberries popular in European bakery applications, and blueberries dominating North American dietary supplements.

By Type

Strawberries: Strawberries command the largest share in the soft fruit market, contributing 43% of total volume in 2024. In the U.S. alone, strawberry yield reached 1.7 million metric tons. Global demand rose by 18% between 2022 and 2024, especially in the snack and dessert sector. Japan imported over 38,000 metric tons of strawberries in 2023 for high-end confectionery usage. The fruit's adaptability for both fresh and frozen consumption fuels its consistent dominance in the soft fruit market size and growth trends.
Raspberries: Raspberries accounted for 17% of global soft fruit consumption in 2024. Poland is the leading producer, generating over 125,000 metric tons annually. Raspberries are extensively used in jams, bakery fillings, and dairy products. Germany's raspberry-infused yogurt sales rose by 26% in 2024. The fruit’s high antioxidant content is a key selling point in health food categories, making it essential in functional beverage formulations.
Blueberries: Blueberries make up 21% of the market and are particularly favored in North America and Asia-Pacific. China’s blueberry imports increased by 32% between 2022 and 2024. Blueberries are a top choice for dietary supplements and superfood mixes, with 41% of protein powders incorporating blueberry extracts. Their long shelf life and machine-harvesting adaptability also support industrial-scale operations.
Blackberries: Blackberries hold 9% market share globally. The UK is the top consumer in Europe, with over 20,000 metric tons consumed in 2024. U.S. growers produced 52,000 metric tons, primarily in Oregon. Blackberries are rich in anthocyanins and ellagic acid, often used in gut health drinks and premium jams.
Currants: Currants, including red and black varieties, contribute 6% to global volume. France and Austria lead European production. In 2024, red currant-based beverage sales increased by 14% in Eastern Europe. Black currants, high in vitamin C, are frequently used in dietary supplement capsules.
Gooseberries: Gooseberries account for 4% of the global soft fruit segment. India and the UK are leading producers. Gooseberries are gaining popularity in traditional medicine and immunity-boosting drinks. In 2024, demand for gooseberry concentrate rose by 23% in functional health products.

By Application

Fresh Consumption: Fresh consumption accounts for 61% of total soft fruit demand. Supermarket chains across the U.S. and EU stock over 120 varieties of fresh soft fruits. Strawberries and blueberries are the top choices for daily consumption, with 34% of households in the U.S. reporting weekly purchases. Retailers in China reported a 29% rise in fresh berry SKUs between 2022 and 2024, reflecting demand growth. The fresh fruit segment is highly seasonal, though advanced cold chain systems have improved availability by 20% year-round.
Processed Food: Processed food applications represent 14% of soft fruit utilization. Raspberries and blackberries are widely used in jams, jellies, and syrups. In Germany, over 18,000 metric tons of raspberries were processed into preserves in 2024. The UK saw a 22% increase in soft fruit-based dessert sauces. As per soft fruit market analysis, the processed segment is expected to strengthen as shelf-stable product innovations grow.
Beverages: Soft fruit beverages account for 19% of the application share. Smoothies, juices, and energy drinks infused with berries gained popularity, with the EU beverage industry incorporating soft fruit blends in over 1,200 product launches between 2023 and 2024. Raspberry and blueberry drinks saw a 31% spike in Asian markets, driven by wellness and detox marketing. Functional drinks with added berry extracts grew by 26% across premium brands.
Bakery: Bakery applications make up 4% of usage. In France and Italy, more than 12,000 bakeries incorporated fresh or frozen soft fruits into pastries in 2024. Blueberry muffins, raspberry scones, and strawberry shortcakes are growing in demand, with a 19% sales increase reported in urban cafes. According to the soft fruit industry report, this niche is expanding with seasonal product launches.
Dairy Products: Dairy-based applications account for 2% of market usage. Yogurts containing blueberries and raspberries represent over 35% of flavored yogurt sales in the U.S. Greek yogurt blended with berry purée saw an 18% growth rate in 2024. India and China are fast-growing markets in this segment, with localized berry flavors introduced by leading dairy brands.

Soft Fruit Market Regional Outlook

The global soft fruit market displays strong regional performance, with Europe accounting for the largest consumption share at 36%, followed by North America with 28%, and Asia-Pacific with 24%. The Middle East and Africa collectively represent 12% of market share, driven by rising imports and controlled farming systems. Regional consumption and production patterns are heavily influenced by climate, technological advancement, trade policies, and evolving consumer preferences. While Europe leads in strawberry and raspberry exports, North America dominates blueberry production, and Asia-Pacific showcases the fastest growth in imports. Regional trends reflect both local supply chain maturity and dietary shifts toward functional fruit consumption.

North America

North America holds a 28% share of the global soft fruit market, with the United States emerging as the largest contributor. The U.S. produced over 1.7 million metric tons of strawberries in 2024, with California accounting for 86% of national output. Blueberry production reached approximately 350,000 metric tons, with major yields from Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon. Canada, while having limited domestic production, imported over 130,000 metric tons of soft fruits, mainly from the U.S. and Mexico. Mexico plays a vital role in regional exports, producing over 540,000 metric tons of soft fruits such as raspberries and strawberries, and shipping 60% of that volume to U.S. markets. North America also leads in organic certification, with a 22% increase in certified organic soft fruit acreage in 2024.

Europe

Europe dominates the global soft fruit market with a 36% consumption share, backed by robust domestic production and aggressive export activity. Spain led strawberry exports in 2024 with over 330,000 metric tons, representing a 9% increase from 2023. Poland maintained its position as Europe’s top raspberry producer, yielding over 125,000 metric tons annually. The United Kingdom remains a major importer, bringing in 170,000 metric tons of soft fruits in 2024, particularly blueberries and strawberries. Germany significantly advanced its organic soft fruit offerings, increasing shelf coverage by 26% across national retail chains.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific holds a 24% share of the global soft fruit market and is experiencing the fastest growth in soft fruit imports and consumer demand. China significantly boosted its blueberry imports to 190,000 metric tons in 2024, reflecting a 32% increase from two years prior. Japan is a major consumer of strawberries, with over 85,000 metric tons consumed domestically in 2024, much of it imported from the U.S. and South Korea. South Korea's soft fruit beverage market expanded rapidly, with a 28% rise in berry-based imports in 2024.

Middle East and Africa

(MEA) region accounts for 12% of the global soft fruit market and has shown steady growth due to increased imports and expansion of controlled-environment agriculture. The UAE and Saudi Arabia imported a combined 95,000 metric tons of soft fruits in 2024, focusing on blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries from Spain, the U.S., and Egypt. Egypt remains the region’s top producer, generating over 210,000 metric tons of strawberries annually, with 60% exported to the European Union and Gulf countries. South Africa leads in blueberry exports with 24,000 metric tons shipped globally in 2024, particularly to Asia and the UK. Advanced agricultural technologies, especially in Israel and the UAE, led to a 29% increase in vertical farming systems for soft fruits between 2023 and 2024.

List of Top Soft Fruit Market Companies

Driscoll's (USA)
BerryWorld (UK)
Total Produce (Ireland)
Fyffes (Ireland)
Dole (USA)
Chiquita (USA)
Horticulture Holdings (Netherlands)
Enza Zaden (Netherlands)
Syngenta (Switzerland)
Bayer (Germany)

Top Two by Market Share

Driscoll’s: leads with 16% global share in soft fruit production and exports.

BerryWorld: holds 12% share, focusing on retail partnerships and cold chain logistics.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the soft fruit market are accelerating as producers, retailers, and governments focus on sustainability and technological advancement. Between 2023 and 2025, over $1.6 billion was invested globally in soft fruit farming and processing. Precision agriculture startups received 41% of agri-tech venture funding in 2024, particularly in Europe and the U.S. Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems for berries saw a 35% uptick in deployment, improving yields by 20% while reducing pesticide usage by 60%.

In India, government subsidies supported the establishment of 180 new soft fruit cooperatives across 14 states, contributing to a 22% boost in gooseberry production. Germany launched €95 million in 2024 toward infrastructure upgrades for soft fruit cold storage and distribution, cutting spoilage by 28%. In Southeast Asia, private equity firms invested $310 million in vertical farming technologies dedicated to strawberry and blueberry production, ensuring year-round supply to high-demand cities like Tokyo and Singapore.

Retailers are increasingly investing in direct sourcing models. Walmart and Carrefour added 120 supplier partnerships with soft fruit farms to bypass middlemen, improving margins and ensuring freshness. Blockchain-backed supply chains were deployed in 13% of soft fruit exports from Chile and Peru, enhancing traceability.

Africa’s market is also emerging as an investment hotspot. Kenya and South Africa attracted $60 million in FDI focused on improving berry seed varieties and creating local packing houses. The African Development Bank announced a $28 million soft fruit investment initiative in 2024 to support export readiness.

New Product Development

Innovation in the soft fruit market is being fueled by evolving consumer preferences and rapid advancements in processing and preservation technologies. Between 2023 and 2025, more than 730 new soft fruit-based products were launched globally across dairy, snacks, beverages, and bakery segments. In 2024, 41% of new fruit snacks featured a blend of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Companies like Dole introduced antioxidant-rich fruit cups with zero added sugar, and Driscoll’s developed proprietary berry cultivars with 22% longer shelf life.

Frozen soft fruit innovation has accelerated, with 26% of launches in 2024 integrating nitrogen flash freezing for higher nutrient retention. In Canada, three new frozen berry lines were launched in Q2 2024, targeting the breakfast and smoothie preparation market. In the UK, BerryWorld introduced soft fruit purée packs for home baking, contributing to a 19% increase in home-use berry consumption.

Functional food and beverage applications are another growing segment. Soft fruit-infused probiotic yogurt launches rose by 28% in 2024, led by consumer demand for gut-friendly products. Blueberry collagen waters and raspberry-based immunity shots were introduced by over 60 beverage brands between 2023 and 2025. The trend toward clean-label and superfood combinations led to the launch of more than 180 new soft fruit SKUs across health and fitness e-commerce platforms.

Edible coatings for soft fruits have also gained traction. Berry coatings developed using plant extracts extended shelf life by 40% without refrigeration. This technology, tested in Spain and the Netherlands, reduced food waste across retail chains by 18%. In Australia, new multi-compartment snack packs featuring soft fruits and nuts launched in 2024, accounting for 7% of total snack category growth.

Five Recent Developments

Driscoll’s introduced a new ultra-sweet strawberry cultivar with 18% higher brix level in 2024.
BerryWorld expanded its biodegradable packaging line to 14 new European markets in 2023.
Total Produce launched a blockchain-based supply chain traceability system covering 27% of its berry exports in 2024.
Chiquita opened a $48 million soft fruit cold storage facility in Florida in 2025, increasing storage capacity by 37%.
Dole began commercial trials for a plant-extract edible coating on raspberries, reducing spoilage by 42% in early 2025.

Report Coverage of Soft Fruit Market

The Soft Fruit Market Report provides a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of global market conditions, segmentation, trends, opportunities, and competitive landscape. The report covers strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants, and gooseberries across fresh and processed categories. It includes exhaustive insight into market share analysis by type and application and offers qualitative and quantitative data points from 2023 to 2025.

The Soft Fruit Market Analysis highlights regional performance with a dedicated outlook on North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The report offers granular production statistics, trade flows, supply chain developments, and retail innovations. Data reveals that strawberries lead the market by volume at 43%, while Europe dominates consumption with a 36% share.

The report incorporates soft fruit market dynamics including drivers like the rising demand for functional foods and restraints such as short shelf life and labor shortages. The soft fruit market forecast section evaluates investment trends, government policies, and technology adoption such as vertical farming and smart irrigation systems. Market opportunities such as the expansion of organic farming and challenges including climate unpredictability are presented with 2023–2025 data references.

The Soft Fruit Market Research Report offers segmentation by application (fresh consumption, beverages, bakery, dairy, processed food) and explores the soft fruit market growth driven by demand from supermarkets, online platforms, and export channels. It provides in-depth analysis of product innovation, including new berry cultivars, frozen formats, probiotic applications, and eco-packaging materials.