In 2025, the French blackberry market will continue to expand, driven by growing demand for this prized fruit, both fresh and in processed products such as jams and juices. Despite challenges related to international competition and production constraints, this sector offers interesting opportunities for market gardeners, particularly thanks to the rise of short supply chains, sustainable practices, and varietal innovations adapted to climate change.
Presentation and commercial uses
The mulberry tree is a medium-sized tree or shrub (10 to 15 meters) belonging to the Moraceae family . Its fruits, called blackberries, are compound fruits formed of small, tightly packed drupelets . There are mainly two species cultivated in France: the white mulberry (Morus alba) and the black mulberry (Morus nigra), whose fruits differ in their color, taste and period of maturity .
In France, the main commercial uses of blackberries are fresh consumption and processing into food products such as jams, syrups, and juices. Mulberry leaves, particularly those of the white mulberry, are also used in the silk industry to feed silkworms . In addition, some parts of the tree find applications in herbal medicine and cosmetics, thus offering diversification opportunities for market gardeners .
Evolution of the French market
The French blackberry market has seen mixed developments over the past three years. Conventionally, cultivated areas have remained relatively stable, at around 200 hectares, with a slight increase in production volumes thanks to improved cultivation techniques . Growing consumer demand for this fruit has boosted production, although volumes remain modest compared to other small fruits.
For the organic market, we observe a more marked dynamic. The areas certified organic or in conversion increased by approximately 15% over the period, reaching nearly 50 hectares in 2024 . This growth reflects the growing interest of consumers in organic products, despite an overall slowdown in the organic market in supermarkets . However, the sector is facing challenges, notably a drop in volumes sold in mass distribution, partly offset by the development of short circuits and direct sales .
Current market status
The French blackberry market in 2024-2025 shows contrasting trends between conventional and organic products. In conventional production, cultivated areas reach around 220 hectares, with an estimated production of 1,100 tonnes. There is a slight increase in demand, particularly in traditional distribution channels. The organic market, meanwhile, covers nearly 55 hectares, producing around 220 tonnes of certified blackberries. Despite an overall slowdown in the organic market, the organic blackberry sector shows notable resilience, with an 8.4% increase in turnover in specialist stores in the first half of 2024. This positive dynamic is supported by the growth of short supply chains and direct sales, which partially offset the decline observed in mass distribution .
Producing regions and terroirs
Blackberry production in France remains relatively limited, with a few dominant regions. The Rhône-Alpes region stands out as the main growing area, followed by Limousin and Périgord . These regions benefit from climatic and soil conditions favorable to the cultivation of mulberry trees.
Regional specificities play a crucial role in the success of this culture:
- Climate: Mulberry trees adapt well to temperate climates, with a preference for warm summers and mild winters. Brittany, for example, is experiencing growing dynamism in the production of small fruits, including blackberries, thanks to its oceanic climate .
- Soils: Mulberry trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils. Loamy clay soils, common in these regions, are particularly suitable .
- Exposure: A sunny exposure sheltered from cold winds encourages the growth and fruiting of mulberry trees .
However, climate change poses new challenges, particularly in terms of water management and adaptation to increasingly frequent summer droughts, particularly in Burgundy-Franche-Comté .
Essential growing techniques
The main mulberry varieties grown in France are the black mulberry (Morus nigra) and the white mulberry (Morus alba). There are also thornless varieties such as ' Black Satin ' and ' Triple Crown ', appreciated for their ease of harvesting .
Agronomic requirements:
- Soil: Well-drained, rich in humus, slightly acidic to neutral pH
- Climate: Adapted to temperate climates, resistant to heat (up to 38°C)
- Irrigation: Regular watering, especially for young plants
- Density: Spacing of 1.5 to 2 meters between plants
Average yields in conventional farming can reach 20 kg per plant for certain varieties . In organic farming, yields are generally 25 to 30% lower . Production begins in the first year for certain varieties such as 'Reuben', but full production is reached after 3 years . A well-maintained plantation can remain productive for 15 to 20 years.
Trade and international competition
France occupies a modest position in the international blackberry market, with limited production compared to the world's major producers. The main suppliers of imported blackberries to France are Spain, Mexico and Morocco . Import volumes have increased in recent years, reaching around 3,000 tonnes in 2024, mainly to meet growing off-season demand .
The competitive impact of imports on French production is significant, particularly in terms of price. Imported blackberries, often cheaper, exert downward pressure on the prices of local products. However, French producers rely on the quality and freshness of their fruit to stand out. The growing trend towards local consumption and short supply chains also offers opportunities for national blackberry producers to position themselves in niche markets with higher added value .
Development opportunities
The blackberry market in France offers interesting opportunities for producers, both conventional and organic. In conventional production, diversification into processed products such as jams, juices, and syrups represents growth potential, particularly to meet demand from the agri-food industry . Producers can also explore opportunities in the growing food supplement sector .
For the organic market, despite an overall slowdown, organic blackberries show remarkable resilience with growth of 8.4% in specialist stores . Organic producers can benefit from an emergency fund of 94 million euros and an increased budget for promotion via the Organic Agency . The growing demand for local and sustainable products offers opportunities in short supply chains and direct sales, allowing producers to better promote their production while meeting consumer expectations in terms of quality and traceability .
Profitability and financial aid
Blackberry production presents significant differences between conventional and organic farming in terms of costs and profitability. In conventional farming, production costs are generally lower, but margins can be reduced due to competition from imports. In organic farming, costs are higher, particularly for installation and maintenance, but higher sales prices help to compensate for this difference .
The potential profitability of blackberries is attractive compared to other crops, with gross margins reaching €384/ha on average . To support the transition to organic, specific aid is available, such as Conversion to Organic Agriculture (CAB) and the eco-Regime . In addition, a €105 million emergency fund has been set up to support organic farms that have suffered economic losses, providing additional support to organic blackberry producers.
Sector challenges and risks
Blackberry production in France faces several challenges, both in the conventional and organic markets. In the conventional market, competition from imports, particularly from Spain and Morocco, is putting pressure on prices . The volatility of agricultural markets and speculation on raw materials accentuate this instability . Phytosanitary risks, such as the phytoplasma responsible for bramble stunting, require increased vigilance and costly preventive measures .
For the organic market, the constraints are specific. Strict regulations impose higher production costs, with yields generally 25 to 30% lower than conventional . Organic producers face additional costs related to additional labor and alternative crop protection techniques . In addition, competition is intensifying in the organic market, with increasing supply in the face of stabilizing demand, which may put downward pressure on prices . Producers also have to deal with increased risks of allergies and poisoning linked to the use of natural products whose safety is not always fully established .
Innovations and future prospects
The blackberry sector in France is experiencing significant advances in innovation and research. Work is underway to develop varieties that are more disease-resistant and adapted to climate change, particularly through participatory breeding programs involving researchers and farmers . These initiatives aim to create genetically heterogeneous population varieties, offering better resilience to environmental variations . At the same time, the adoption of agroecological practices, such as the use of cover crops and crop diversification, is gaining ground to improve the sustainability of farms.
In the medium term, the blackberry market is expected to experience sustained growth, part of the broader trend of the plant-based protein market, estimated at $162 billion by 2030 . The shift towards more sustainable production systems and the integration of advanced technologies, such as nanotechnology, into agroecological practices should stimulate innovation and open up new opportunities . Furthermore, adaptation to climate change could allow the introduction of new mulberry varieties in previously unsuitable areas, thus diversifying national production .
Recommendations for market gardeners
Integrating blackberry cultivation presents advantages and disadvantages for French market gardeners. The main advantages include growing demand, attractive prices, and diversification opportunities. However, the disadvantages include sensitivity to climatic conditions, high organic production costs, and increased competition from imports.
Recommendations for market gardeners considering this crop:
- Favor short circuits and direct sales to maximize margins
- Choose varieties adapted to the local terroir and resistant to diseases
- Invest in sustainable growing techniques such as cover crops and crop diversification
- Consider processing (jams, juices) to enhance production and reduce losses
- Exploring opportunities in the organic market, despite higher costs, due to its continued growth
- Integrate effective pollination practices, such as the use of bumblebees, to improve yields
- Training in specific techniques for managing soil fertility in diversified market gardening
A thorough analysis of the local market and available resources is essential before embarking on this cultivation. Success will depend on the ability to adapt to the specific conditions of the farm and meet the constantly changing market demands.
Specialist suppliers and consultants
For professional market gardeners looking for quality mulberry plants or advice on planting a plot, two specialist suppliers stand out on the French market:
- Bairiverse ( https://plantspetitsfruits.com/ ): Wholesale supplier offering a wide range of small fruit plants, including mulberry trees. They offer plants in various formats (mini-plugs, pots, pots) adapted to the needs of professionals . Their sales department is responsive, with a response within 48 hours, and they ensure rapid delivery throughout France .
- Econome à Légumes ( https://economealegumes.fr/ ): A trader in plants and plant material, this company specializes in supplying plants to French professional producers. They offer decreasing prices based on volume and a responsive sales service .
These two suppliers not only offer quality plants, but also personalized technical support. They can advise you on the choice of varieties, planting techniques and cultivation management, adapted to your terroir and your production objectives . Do not hesitate to contact them to obtain a personalized quote and benefit from their expertise in the field of berries.
