Guatemala has excellent agricultural and climate conditions that favor the production of a range of commodities, including particularly berries. Guatemala grows and exports blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, where blackberries enjoy the highest demand in international markets. Eager to represent exporters and growers, the Guatemalan Berries Subsector was formed at AGEXPORT. It brings together berry exporters and growers with the aim to promote exports through increased good quality fruit volumes. The subsector works to ensure that international standards in place in key markets are followed, while ensuring their plant health and safety according to international food security standards.
Berries are exported year-round. However, peak export months are from February to April and from July to September. The major Guatemalan berry markets are the United States (82%), Europe (15%), and Central America (3%). The sector represents 600 smallholders and offers work to the 8,000 persons that are a part of the productive chain from plantation to marketing. Several Guatemalan grower and exporter companies are committed to good agricultural and manufacturing practices. This gives them access to be Global GAP, SMETA and GRASP certified, among others to supply the European Union, other European countries and Central America.