Of total U.S. strawberry consumption in 2023, one-fifth was imported, mainly from Mexico.
This proportion has doubled since the early 2000s, when 10% of available strawberries were imports.
Meanwhile, 90% of fresh strawberries grown in the United States come from California, according to the California Strawberry Commission.
California fruits and Mexico
In terms of volume, U.S. imports of fresh strawberries grew 4% from 2022 to 2023, to 589 million pounds.
This is the fifth consecutive year of increased import volumes.
Below are U.S. imports of fresh strawberries, in millions of dollars:
- 2016: 559.
- 2017: 643.
- 2018: 610.
- 2019: 871.
- 2020: 849.
- 2021: 1,085.
- 2022: 1,102.
- 2023: 1,209.
U.S. strawberry consumption
Thus, 2023 marked the third year that fresh strawberry imports were valued at more than $1 billion.
Approximately, 11.5% (68 million pounds) of fresh strawberry import volume in 2023 was organic, on par with 2022’s share.
This means that, on average, each person in the United States consumes about 3.4 kg (7.5 pounds) of fresh strawberries per year, and most of them come from just one state! This high production makes strawberries available almost year-round in U.S. supermarkets.
In the United States, fresh strawberries are consumed as a snack, an ingredient in cakes and ice cream, part of salads, or an ingredient in dressings.
It is also consumed in beverages such as smoothies, shakes, cocktails and infused water.
Some people prefer this fruit in cereals, yogurt, sauces and jams.
Strawberry qualities:
- Vitamins and minerals: Rich in vitamin C and manganese.
- Low in calories: Ideal for diets.
- Antioxidants: Combats oxidative damage.
- Fiber: Improves digestion.
- Cardiovascular health: Reduces LDL cholesterol.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
- Skin health: Promotes collagen production.
Since the consumption of strawberries in the United States is high and its production is much lower, this country is the largest importer of fresh strawberries in the world.