Strawberries, with their sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant red hue, are one of the world’s most beloved fruits. From summer picnics to luxurious desserts, strawberries hold a special place in global cuisine and culture. Thanks to their popularity, the international trade in strawberries has expanded tremendously over the past two decades, with several countries competing to supply global markets. But among these, one nation stands out as the undisputed leader.
So, which country is the largest strawberry exporter in the world? Let’s uncover the story behind this global trade and find out why one nation has managed to secure the top spot.
The Global Strawberry Trade: A Quick Overview
Strawberries are highly perishable fruits, meaning they require careful harvesting, handling, and transport to preserve their freshness and quality. Despite this challenge, the demand for both fresh and frozen strawberries has surged worldwide, driven by:
- Increased awareness of health benefits
- Rising incomes in emerging markets
- Year-round availability via modern logistics
- The fruit’s versatility in desserts, drinks, and fresh consumption
The global strawberry export market is divided into two main segments:
- Fresh strawberries — consumed immediately or within a few days of arrival.
- Frozen strawberries — used in food processing, jams, desserts, smoothies, and baked goods.
According to international trade data, the total value of global strawberry exports reached over $4.8 billion in 2023, combining both fresh and frozen categories.
Which Country Exports the Most Strawberries in the World?
Mexico is the largest strawberry exporter in the world, a title it has firmly held for several years now.
In 2023:
- Mexico exported fresh strawberries worth over $749 million
- This represented approximately 21.3% of total global fresh strawberry exports
- The vast majority of Mexico’s strawberry exports are shipped to the United States, its largest and closest trade partner
This impressive performance positions Mexico ahead of other major strawberry-exporting nations like Spain, the United States, Egypt, and Morocco.
Why Mexico Leads the World in Strawberry Exports
Favorable Climate and Geography
Mexico enjoys an ideal environment for strawberry cultivation. Its mild winters, warm days, and cool nights — particularly in states like Michoacán, Baja California, and Guanajuato — create optimal growing conditions for high-quality strawberries. These regions allow for harvests during the Northern Hemisphere’s off-season months (November to April), giving Mexico a competitive advantage in supplying fresh berries when demand is highest in the U.S. and Canada.
Advanced Farming Techniques
Over the past two decades, Mexican farmers have adopted modern farming practices including:
- Greenhouse and tunnel cultivation
- Drip irrigation systems
- High-yield and disease-resistant varieties
- Integrated pest management
These advancements have significantly boosted production volumes and fruit quality.
Proximity to Major Markets
Being geographically close to the United States, one of the world’s largest strawberry consumers, gives Mexico a strategic edge. Strawberries can be transported by truck across the border within hours, ensuring freshness and reducing transportation costs.
Strong Trade Agreements
Mexico benefits from favorable trade policies under agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This allows for duty-free access to the massive North American market, helping Mexican growers expand their exports without facing major trade barriers.
Other Major Strawberry Exporting Countries
While Mexico leads the global market, several other nations are significant players:
Spain
Spain is a close second in global strawberry exports, primarily serving the European market. Its southern regions, particularly Huelva in Andalusia, are famous for producing high-quality strawberries. Spain exported fresh strawberries worth over $735 million in 2023, accounting for around 21% of global fresh exports.
United States
The U.S. remains both a major producer and exporter of strawberries, with California responsible for over 80% of the country’s strawberry production. In 2023, the U.S. exported approximately $632 million worth of fresh strawberries, mainly to Canada and Mexico.
Egypt
Egypt has become a leader in the frozen strawberry segment. In 2023, it exported 159,000 tonnes of frozen strawberries, valued at over $336 million. Egyptian strawberries are widely popular in European and Middle Eastern markets due to their competitive pricing and good quality.
Morocco
Morocco is an emerging force in both fresh and frozen strawberry exports, with increasing demand in Europe and Asia, including Japan and the Gulf states.
2023 Global Fresh Strawberry Export Rankings
| Rank | Country | Export Value (USD) | Global Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | $749 million | 21.3% |
| 2 | Spain | $735 million | 21.0% |
| 3 | United States | $632 million | 18.0% |
| 4 | Netherlands | $336 million | 9.8% |
| 5 | Belgium | $176 million | 5.0% |
| 6 | Greece | $155 million | 4.4% |
| 7 | Egypt | $132 million | 3.8% |
| 8 | South Korea | $70 million | 2.0% |
| 9 | Morocco | $67 million | 1.9% |
| 10 | Italy | $49 million | 1.4% |
Current Trends in the Global Strawberry Export Market
Increasing Demand for Organic and Premium Strawberries
As consumers become more health-conscious, there’s a growing market for organic, pesticide-free, and specialty strawberry varieties. Countries like Mexico and Spain are investing in organic certifications and premium berry cultivation to capture these high-value markets.
Expansion of Frozen Strawberry Trade
Frozen strawberries are gaining popularity in food service, beverage, and health food industries worldwide. Egypt, in particular, has excelled in this sector, becoming the largest frozen strawberry exporter globally.
Growth of Cold-Chain Logistics
Advancements in refrigeration, packaging, and logistics technology are enabling longer-distance shipping while preserving fruit quality, opening up new export opportunities to Asia, the Middle East, and other distant markets.
Seasonality Management
Countries in different hemispheres strategically plan harvest seasons to complement each other and maintain year-round availability in global markets. For instance:
- Mexico supplies the U.S. in winter.
- Spain dominates European spring markets.
- United States and Canada peak in summer.
Future Outlook for the Global Strawberry Export Market
The global strawberry export market is poised for continued growth in the coming years due to:
- Rising per capita fruit consumption
- Health-driven dietary trends
- Expansion of high-income consumers in developing economies
- Innovations in agricultural technology and logistics
Experts forecast that the global strawberry export market will exceed $5 billion annually by 2026. While Mexico is likely to retain its top position, competition from Spain, Egypt, and Morocco is expected to intensify as these nations increase production and improve export logistics.
Final Thoughts
To conclude:
- Mexico is currently the largest strawberry exporter in the world, holding a commanding 21.3% of global fresh strawberry exports in 2023.
- Its leadership is driven by favorable climate, modern farming methods, proximity to key markets, and strong trade agreements.
- Other top exporters include Spain, the United States, Egypt, and Morocco, each playing important roles in their respective regional and global markets.
- Ongoing trends such as organic cultivation, frozen product growth, and year-round global availability will continue shaping the future of the strawberry export industry.
As global consumers continue to crave sweet, succulent strawberries on their tables, these exporting nations will be working hard to deliver the freshest, highest-quality berries to markets around the world.
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