Cranberry is a type of fruit that grows on a low, creeping shrub in acidic bogs and marshes. The fruit is typically round and red in color, and is usually harvested in the fall. Cranberries are known for their tart taste and are often used in cooking and baking, as well as in juices, sauces, and dried snacks.
Those red fruits are commonly associated with the holiday season in the United States and Canada, where they are often served alongside turkey or as part of a festive meal. But do you know what are the top cranberry producing countries? Here are the answers!
United States
The United States of America is one of the top cranberry producing countries in the world. The red fruits are primarily grown in the northeastern United States.
The states that grow the most cranberries are Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington. Wisconsin is the largest cranberry producing state in the USA, followed by Massachusetts. Cranberries are an important crop for the United States, both in terms of agricultural production and economic impact. The industry provides jobs for thousands of people and generates millions of dollars in revenue each year.
As we said above, cranberries are used in a variety of products, including juices, sauces, and baked goods, and are also popular during celebrations and parties. You will find freshly picked and organic whole dried cranberries in the USA, especially in the states we have just mentioned. In addition, they are of better quality and sold at reasonable prices.
Canada
Canada is the second-largest cranberry producing country in the world. The majority of the Canadian cranberry production is concentrated in Quebec where most of the country’s cranberry farms are located. According to Statistics Canada, in 2020, Quebec was the largest producer with a strong and successful cranberry wholesale. According to the same source, British Columbia was the second-largest cranberry producing province.
Other provinces in Canada also produce cranberries, although in smaller quantities than Quebec and British Columbia, like Ontario and New Brunswick. In any event, cranberries are an important crop for Canadian farmers and they contribute significantly to the country’s agricultural sector. In addition to being used for fresh consumption, cranberries are also processed into a variety of products, including juice, sauce, and whole dried cranberries.
As in the United States of America, Canada’s cranberry industry provides employment for thousands of people across the country, from farmers to processors to distributors.
Chile
Chile is one of the leading cranberry producing countries in the world, ranking third behind the United States and Canada. The majority of these red fruits are grown in the southern region of the country where the climate and the soil are well-suited for cranberry cultivation.
Cranberry production in Chile started in the 1980s when a few pioneering farmers began experimenting with growing the fruit in the country’s southern regions. Today, the production is concentrated in the Biobío, La Araucanía, and Los Ríos regions. They have a cool, temperate climate and acidic soil that are well-suited for cranberry cultivation.
Latvia
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Latvia is the fourth top cranberry producer in the world. Located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, Latvia has favorable climate and soil conditions for cranberry cultivation. Plus, the industry has been growing steadily in recent years. The main producing regions are Vidzeme, Zemgale, and Latgale.
The main varieties of cranberries grown in Latvia are the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and the European cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos). The majority of the products are exported to other European countries, particularly Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Some cranberries are also sold on the domestic market, either fresh or processed into juice, jam, dried or other products.
As you can see, the top 4 cranberry producing countries are the United States of America, Canada, Chile and Latvia. All of them produce high quality cranberries and export them in bulk to several other states in addition to selling them in local markets.