Which U.S. Town Is Known As The Blueberry Capital Of the World?

Last Updated: May 13, 2026, 13:36 IST

Do you know which US town holds the official title of being the "Blueberry Capital of the World"? This town serves as the birthplace of commercial cultivation, shipping over 50 million pounds annually. With a 40-year festival history and unique "sugar sand" soil, let's discover this blueberry town.

Which U.S. Town Is Known As The Blueberry Capital Of the World?
Which U.S. Town Is Known As The Blueberry Capital Of the World?

Blueberries are loved around the world for their bright colour and strong antioxidants. These small superfruits grow best in acidic soil and cooler climates, but some varieties now do well in warmer areas as well. The United States is the world's largest producer of blueberries, growing almost 333,660 tonnes each year. But do you know which U.S. town is called the 'Blueberry Capital of the world'? This single town grows about 80% of the country's blueberries, nearly 50 million pounds every year. In this article, we'll explore the Blueberry town of the world, its famous festivals, and the numbers that make it special.

Which U.S. Town Is Called The Blueberry Capital Of The World?

The 'Blueberry Capital Of The World' Is Located In A Small American Town -  AOL

Hammonton, New Jersey, is famously known as the Blueberry Capital of the World. This tiny US town is located in Atlantic County and is also famously known to be the birthplace of commercial blueberry cultivation, which started in the early 1900s.

Talking about the current status of this blueberry city, today, Hammonton, on its own, is responsible for cultivating roughly 80% of New Jersey's total blueberry output, contributing to a statewide yield of over 50 million pounds annually.

Countries like Peru, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and more are the largest producers of blueberries in the world, but do you know why this US town has become known as the 'Blueberry Capital of the world’?

It is because of its unique "sugar-sand soil” and temperate climate, with fairly mild summers and warm days that can reach 28°C to 31°C, that blueberries are perfect for growing.

5 Lesser-Known Facts About the City of Blueberries

  • Hammonton grows Highbush blueberries with 48 chromosomes. This "tetraploid" structure makes them much larger and juicier than common wild berries.
  • Commercial blueberries were born here in 1916 when Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville successfully cultivated the first crop from wild plants.
  • The dusty silver coating is epicuticular wax. It acts as a biological shield against UV rays, dehydration, and bacteria.
  • These berries are packed with anthocyanins. These pigments provide the deep blue colour and are scientifically linked to heart and brain health.
  • June 2026 marks the 40th Annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival, celebrating a local crop value of $92 million.

Why Hammonton is the Blueberry Capital of the World

Hammonton, a town in Atlantic County, New Jersey, is often called the "Blueberry Capital of the World". It is famous for its blueberry production, which is made possible by its special soil and large harvests. Hammonton produces over 80% of New Jersey’s blueberries and is important in both fresh market sales and new farming technology.

Factor Key Facts
Production Dominance Hammonton produces 80% of New Jersey's blueberries, contributing to a state total of 50+ million pounds annually.
Economic Value As of 2026, the local blueberry crop is valued at over $92 million, supporting a vast network of family-owned and commercial farms.
Ideal Climate Blueberries thrive here in temperate summer highs of 28°C–31°C, benefiting from the unique "sugar sand" acidic soil of the Pine Barrens.
Market Cost High-quality fresh berries from Hammonton currently retail for approximately $3.20–$3.60 per 6-ounce container in the 2026 season.
Historical Legacy The town is the site of the world's first commercial harvest in 1916, making it the ancestral home of the modern blueberry industry.
Annual Tradition June 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the Red, White & Blueberry Festival, drawing thousands of tourists to the region.
Genetic Standard Hammonton is a leader in Highbush (tetraploid) varieties, utilising plants with 48 chromosomes for maximum size and sweetness.

What Town Is Famous For Blueberries?

Hammonton is a perfect stop on the way to the Shore

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer

Hammonton, a small town in Atlantic County in New Jersey, is popularly known as the "Blueberry Capital of the world”. This town is known around the world for its highbush blueberry farms, which produce much of the state's berries. It is also proud of its strong Italian roots, historic downtown, and location near the Pinelands National Reserve.

Where Is The Blueberry Capital Of The World?

The “Blueberry Capital of the world” is located in Hammonton, New Jersey, which is a small town in Atlantic County. This tiny place is the main distribution hub for blueberries in the Northeastern United States, and it even hosts a world-famous festival, the Red, White & Blueberry Festival.

Which Country Is Famous For Blueberries?

Undoubtedly, the United States of America is famous for its blueberries. The country is the largest producer of blueberries in the world, accounting for over 333,660 metric tonnes of blueberries annually. 

Which Country Loves Blueberries The Most?

The United States is the largest consumer of blueberries in the world, with the average American consuming an impressive 2.5 pounds of blueberries per person. Canadians aren't far behind either, as this fruit is a real staple in the North American diet.

What Country Is Blueberry Originally From?

The United States is the number one consumer, with the average American munching down an impressive 2.5 pounds of blueberries per person. Canadians aren't far behind either, as this fruit is a real staple in the North American diet.

Who Is The Largest Exporter Of Blueberries?

Peru is the world's number one exporter of fresh blueberries, shipping a massive 280,000 tonnes worldwide. In North America, you'll also find British Columbia, Canada and the state of Oregon doing big business in exporting blueberries.

Where Is The Sweetest Blueberry In The World?

Many people think that the "Jersey" variety from Hammonton and the "Duke" variety from British Columbia are the sweetest of the bunch. These two are really prized for their high sugar content and firm texture.

Kriti Barua
Kriti Barua

Executive - Editorial

Kriti Barua is a skilled digital journalist and communications professional with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for the General Knowledge section at Jagran New Media. She has established herself as a subject matter expert in History, Geography, Trending National and International News, Sports, Science, and Defence, producing clear, reliable, and search-optimised content that connects with readers worldwide.
Kriti holds a BA degree from Delhi University and a one-year diploma in TV Production and Journalism, an academic background that adds research depth and strong storytelling instincts to her writing. Her experience spans brand writing, content marketing, and digital media, giving her a sharp understanding of what makes content both helpful to readers and visible in search.
At Jagran New Media, she applies this expertise to national and international news coverage, query-based articles, and in-depth pieces across her specialist subject areas. Her content is defined by easy language, factual accuracy, strong keyword strategy, and reader-friendly storytelling.

... Read More
First Published: May 13, 2026, 13:36 IST

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India, World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App.

Trending

Latest Education News