China’s blueberry boom brings rapid growth, IP disputes and lawsuits for Driscoll’s

About 15 years ago, U.S. fruit grower Driscoll’s entered China to develop blueberry production, working with genetics firms and introducing high-tech growing methods. By 2020, it was producing thousands of tons for Chinese markets.

Chinese entrepreneurs later built competing farms, allegedly copying greenhouse designs and adopting similar techniques. A Chinese court reportedly ruled that Driscoll’s patent-protected varieties had been copied, while state banks offered a special loan category for blueberry growers.

China’s production increased 25-fold since 2010, overtook the United States in 2021, and was reportedly twice U.S. production in 2025. Prices fell to around $3 or less for a 9-ounce container. Driscoll’s has reportedly filed more than 20 lawsuits against Chinese companies and used private investigators to examine plant nurseries.