Between January and September 2025, Peruvian blueberry exports totaled US$ 743 million 248 thousand, which represents an increase of 25,5% Compared to the same period last year, according to the Agro-export Management of the Association of Exporters (ADEX). The figure confirms the dynamism of berries in the agricultural export basket and opens the debate on how to sustain this pace in increasingly competitive markets.

In 2024, according to Trade Map figures, Peru positioned itself as the world's leading exporter of blueberries, with sales of US$ 2 thousand 270 million and a 34% share of the global total, ahead of the Netherlands (12%), Spain (9%), Morocco (8%), and Chile (7%). Maintaining this leadership involves not only consolidating traditional markets but also expanding into new, high-value destinations such as Japan.

Global leadership in blueberries

So far in 2025, United States It remains the main buyer of Peruvian blueberries, with US$ 321 million 310 thousand, although with a 7% drop in orders. They are followed by Netherlands with US$ 142 million 465 thousand and a growth of 55,4%, and China with US$ 120 million 623 thousandwhich stands out for its 280,6% increase. The list is completed by the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Spain, Colombia, Germany, Thailand, and other markets that diversify demand.

On the supply side, the regions that lead the export of this fruit are Freedom ($432 million), Lambayeque (US$ 132 million 504 thousand) e Ica (US$ 56 million 067 thousand), followed by Áncash, Lima, Piura, Callao and Moquegua. The case of Ica is relevant, since in addition to being the third largest exporting region, it was the site of a recent visit by a Japanese delegation interested in learning more about the Peruvian blueberry operation.

Japan: a demanding and strategic partner

With the aim of maintaining the international positioning of blueberries, ADEX organized a visit from a delegation from Japan, headed by the ambassador Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, to the farm Family Farms in Ica the plant already PROLAN in Chincha. During the tour, the Japanese authorities observed the harvesting, packaging, and cold chain management processes, key elements to guarantee the quality and safety demanded by the Asian market.

The director of the guild, Patricio LuzantoHe highlighted that Japan is a market of high interest for Peruvian agricultural products and that blueberries, in particular, “It has enormous potential.”He stressed the need for a coordinated work between the health authorities of both countries to move forward with the signing of a phytosanitary protocol that will allow the fruit to enter that destination, considering the strict food safety standards applied by Japan.

Regions, standards, and growth opportunities

Luzanto emphasized that a agreement at the governmental level that establishes concrete and formal regulations for the possibility of exporting Peruvian blueberries to Japan. The Asian country values ​​this berry as a highly nutritious food, especially consumed at breakfast. However, the varieties it cultivates are smaller and have a different flavor profile, which opens a window of opportunity for Peruvian blueberries, renowned for their size and organoleptic attributes.

Ambassador Yamamoto described the blueberry as “symbol of Peruvian agro-industrial strength” He highlighted the technical capabilities and innovation of companies in the sector. During the visit, the responsible management of the various production activities was observed: efficient use of resources, adherence to processes, good labor practices, and high standards of quality and food safety—essential conditions for competing in demanding markets such as Japan.

In this context, the growth in shipments and the diversification of destinations reinforce the need to continue investing in technology, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Japan climbs the ranks and is now in 26th place in the ranking of blueberry importers (with a 6% increase in 2024)Peru seeks to transform this emerging demand into a significant destination for its exports. For producers and exporters, the challenge will be to align their competitiveness with new global demands and fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by the Asian market.