This review is based on a survey of worldwide blackberry production conducted in 2005. In 2005, there were an estimated 20,035 ha of blackberries planted and commercially cultivated worldwide, a 45% increase from estimated area in 1995. Wild blackberries still make a significant contribution to worldwide production with 8,000 ha and 13,460 tons harvested in 2004. There were 7692 ha of commercially cultivated blackberries in Europe with Serbia accounting for 69% of the area in Europe and also the largest producer in the world. The next largest producing countries in Europe were Hungary (1,600 ha), the United Kingdom, Romania, Poland, Germany, and Croatia. There were 7,159 ha of commercially cultivated blackberries in North America in 2005 with the USA accounting for 67% of the area planted and the second highest in the world with 4,818 ha. Sixty-five percent of the blackberries cultivated in the USA were planted in Oregon, where trailing blackberries such as 'Marion' are most common. Mexico accounted for 32% of the planted area in North America in 2005 with 2,300 ha. Blackberry production in this country increased from 230 ha in 1995 and is projected to grow to at least 5,000 ha by 2015. In Mexico, production systems are modified to extend the production season for 'Tupy' and other erect type cultivars from mid-October to early May for the fresh export market and May to June for their local market. There were 1,640 ha of commercially cultivated blackberries in Central America in 2005 with 1,590 tons produced; most of this production was in Costa Rica, but very little was exported. In South America, 6,380 tons of blackberries were harvested from 1,597 ha. Equador accounted for 53% of the planted area in this continent, but exported very little fruit. In contrast, Chile exported almost 10,000 tons of blackberries in 2004 from 450 ha of commercial blackberries and from wild plantings. In Chile, area planted increased 50% from 1995 to 2005 and is projected to be 800 ha in 2015, provided competition from Mexico does not adversely affect cost of production and competitiveness. China accounted for all of the production in Asia with 1,550 ha and 26,350 tons in 2005. Over 90% of the area was planted to semi-erect blackberry. There were 2,528 ha of organic blackberry production reported in the world in 2005. Use of tunnel production was reported on 315 ha worldwide with tunnels mostly being used to protect against adverse weather. Of the blackberry area planted worldwide, 50% of the cultivars were semi-erect, 25% erect, and 25% trailing types. 'Thornfree', 'Loch Ness', and 'Chester Thornless' were the most important semi-erect types and 'Brazos' and 'Marion' the most common erect and trailing types, respectively. Based on this survey, there may be 27,032 ha of commercial blackberries planted worldwide in 2015, not including production from harvested wild plants.