This report, titled “Impact Plan for the Production and Marketing of Small Fruits”, was commissioned by Lusomorando and Driscoll’s and highlights the remarkable expansion of the country’s berry industry between 2015 and 2025.

Cultivation expansion

The total production of small fruits, including raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, increased from 2,600 tonnes in 2015 to 91,400 tonnes in 2025.

Raspberries remained the dominant crop throughout the period, reaching an output of 37,700 tonnes in 2025, playing a major role in job creation, with the sector supporting an average of 28,644 jobs annually over the last five years.

Blueberries recorded some of the highest growth figures, as production climbed from 4,400 tonnes in 2015, reflecting rising demand and expanded cultivation. Strawberry output also nearly doubled during the decade, increasing from around 9,700 tonnes to 19, 400 tonnes, while blackberry production experienced the most notable proportional surge, with volumes in 2025 estimated to be 14.5 times higher than a decade earlier.

The industry’s financial performance has mirrored its production gains, as the value of small fruit cultivation reached €580 million in 2025, representing a 72.6 percent increase compared with 2020 levels. This figure is expected to rise further to €645 million this year, driven by the continued expansion of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry cultivation.

In addition to direct production value, the sector has made a substantial contribution to the wider economy. Between 2020 and 2025, small fruit production generated an average annual impact of €815 million in Gross Value Added (GVA). Last year alone, that contribution rose to €1.04 billion, with projections suggesting it could reach €1.41 billion in 2026.

Public finances

The figures of employment linked to the industry continue to grow, as an estimated 34,369 jobs were supported in 2025, while the number is expected to increase to 36,702 in 2026. According to the report, worker remuneration associated with the sector totalled €480 million during the period analysed.

Furthermore, public finances have also benefited from the industry’s expansion, with tax revenues generated by the sector reaching €276 million in 2025 and are forecast to climb to €298 million next year.

This study collected data from multiple sources, including EY-Parthenon, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UN Comtrade, Portugal’s Ministry of Agriculture, the National Statistics Institute (INE), the Agricultural Markets Information System, Lusomorango and the Planning, Policy and General Administration (GPP).