Blueberry demand increases

Americans are starting to eat healthier and the blueberry is seeing an uptick in demand because of it.

Research from the U.S. Highbrush Blueberry Council found that consumers were more likely to buy blueberries in 2013 than they were in 2004 or 2008, when previous studies were conducted. From 2004 to 2013 the likelihood that a consumer would purchase blueberries nearly doubled.

The rise in consumption and purchases comes when Americans are becoming increasingly aware of what they're eating. More responders said they valued the health benefits of blueberries than ever before. When asked why they were eating blueberries, respondents overwhelmingly listed the health perks as one of their main reasons.

Almost 85 percent of those surveyed said they were aware of some of the health benefits resulting from blueberries, up from 62 percent in 2008.

Social media may also be playing a role in the rise of the mini-blue fruit. More than half of the respondents said they were likely to purchase blueberries based off information they discovered on their social media sites. More people are using Facebook for blueberry recipes as well.

To see the full report click here.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Highbrush Blueberry Council