Bilberry

Through the expertise of dried bilberry suppliers, this nutrient-dense berry reaches industries worldwide, supporting diverse culinary and health-focused applications. Harvested in the wild or cultivated during the late summer months, bilberries are carefully dried to preserve their rich flavor and antioxidant properties, making them a valued product in the dried fruits market.

Harvest Season of Bilberries

Bilberries are typically harvested in late summer to early autumn, with the best harvesting months being August and September. The berries ripen fully when the warm summer months start to fade into cooler temperatures, often thriving in temperate climates. In some regions, bilberries can be hand-harvested from the wild, while cultivated varieties are generally harvested by machine or in controlled orchards.

‍

Producing Countries

Bilberries grow predominantly in cooler climates and are primarily harvested in European regions:

• Finland: As one of the largest producers of wild bilberries, Finland harvests approximately 50 million kilograms annually, with a significant portion exported in dried or processed forms.
• Sweden: Sweden is a major supplier of wild bilberries, particularly for the health food and nutraceutical industries. Bilberry exports contribute significantly to the country's berry market.
• Poland: Poland is a leading producer of cultivated bilberries, supplying both fresh and dried products to European and global markets.

Other notable producers include Estonia, Russia, and Norway, where bilberries are a key part of local economies and exports. Furthermore, according to a study published in Silva Fennica, the total annual bilberry yield in Finland is estimated to be approximately 208 million kilograms on productive forest land. It's important to note that only a fraction of this yield is commercially harvested each year. For more detailed and accurate statistics, consulting official agricultural reports or industry publications is recommended.

‍

Trends & History

Bilberries have a long history of being used in European herbal medicine, particularly for their potential benefits for eye health and blood circulation. During World War II, British pilots reportedly used bilberry jam to improve night vision, which helped popularize the fruit.

In the modern food industry, bilberries are valued for their high antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their deep color. The growing global interest in natural, nutrient-dense foods has spurred increased demand for bilberries, especially in the form of dried berries, extracts, and powders. They are popular in health products, functional foods, and dietary supplements.

‍

Bilberry Wholesale

If you're looking to source high-quality bilberries for your business, Nutrada offers a platform for connecting with reliable suppliers from key bilberry-producing countries like Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. Whether you need fresh bilberries for local markets, dried bilberries for processed foods, or bilberry extract for supplements, Nutrada simplifies the sourcing process by connecting you with reputable wholesalers. Create an account today to find trusted bilberry suppliers and streamline your purchasing process.

‍