Costco Frozen Blueberries Spark Frenzy in Taiwan; Global Sourcing Explained

Costco's frozen blueberries are flying off the shelves in Taiwan, creating a frenzy among shoppers who are sharing their experiences online. Some keen members have noticed a change in the origin of the frozen berries.

Costco maintains a year-round supply of fresh blueberries through a vast global network. They source from the United States, Canada, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and New Zealand, strategically utilizing the different harvest seasons across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This international procurement ensures consumers can purchase fresh blueberries even outside their local growing seasons. Major suppliers for fresh berries include Driscoll's in the U.S., Bleuet Royal in Quebec, Canada, and Camposol in Peru.

The logic behind Costco's frozen blueberry supply differs significantly. These berries are harvested at their peak ripeness and immediately frozen, allowing for continuous sales throughout the year. This process eliminates the need to chase seasonal availability across different hemispheres, and the origin can remain consistent. For instance, Costco's Kirkland Signature frozen blueberries utilize Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) technology. This method freezes each berry separately, preserving texture and flavor and extending shelf life up to 18 months. The berries are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, negating the need for global seasonal sourcing.

In the U.S. market, Scenic Fruit Company, sourcing from Lazy D Farms in Oregon's Willamette Valley, has supplied Kirkland Signature frozen blueberries. Canadian Costco stores receive their frozen blueberries from Snowcrest Foods, with berries originating from Silver Valley Farms in British Columbia. Both the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. and Western Canada are recognized globally for producing high-quality blueberries due to their acidic soil and cool climates.