North American Blueberry Council Celebrates Access to South Africa for U.S. Fresh Blueberries
August 28, 2025 | 2 min to read
South Africa has granted market access for fresh blueberries from all U.S. states, a significant achievement after years of delay. Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), expressed gratitude to the Trump administration and the USDA for their roles in this development. Though the market landscape has changed due to increased competition from countries like Morocco and Zimbabwe, NABC remains optimistic about expanding global access for U.S. blueberry growers.
FOLSOM, Calif. – South Africa has officially approved market access for fresh blueberries from all U.S. states.
“After years of stalled progress, we thank the Trump administration for prioritizing this request and finally getting the South African market open for U.S. fresh blueberries,” said North American Blueberry Council (NABC) President Kasey Cronquist. “We’re grateful to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for its collaboration, and for securing a science-based and practical work plan for blueberry growers and packers.”
While acknowledging that South Africa’s blueberry market has changed since the original access request, Cronquist emphasized that NABC is optimistic about the future of U.S. blueberry exports. “We believe strongly in the importance of open, science-based trade and will continue working to expand and strengthen global market access for U.S. blueberry growers,” he said.
When the request was first made nearly a decade ago, U.S. blueberries would have held a dominant position in the South African market. In the years since, however, production from Morocco, Zimbabwe and other African nations has surged, establishing them as key suppliers to South Africa.
“This is a clear example of the risks when market access is delayed,” Cronquist said. “Competitors fill the gap, capture market share and limit opportunities for U.S. growers.”
NABC is also working to secure expanded access to South Korea, and new access to Australia and New Zealand. “We appreciate the ongoing efforts of USDA and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on these priorities and we’re hopeful that, under the Trump administration, we can open these new markets and create profitable opportunities for U.S. blueberry growers,” Cronquist said.
About the North American Blueberry Council
Since 1965, the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) has been the voice of the blueberry industry in the U.S. and Canada. NABC’s members represent approximately 70% of the North American highbush blueberry crop. NABC was instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Learn more at nabcblues.org.