Three months after the end of the 2021/2022 Peruvian blueberry campaign —which runs from May to April— 215.356 tons have been exported for US$1.277 million. Compared to the previous year, current shipments of the fruit are up 30% in volume and 26% in value.

In the last five years, blueberry exports between May and January represented 98% of the total shipments of the season, and the remainder of the campaign is marginal. In this line, it can be estimated with a high probability of success that, at the end of the 2021/2022 campaign, 220,076 tons of fresh blueberries equivalent to US$ 1,306 million will be exported, thus maintaining current growth rates.

Despite the increase in the Peruvian supply, the average price of blueberries was US$5.93 per kilogram, 3% less than the previous year (US$6.11 per kilogram). The main destinations were the United States and the Netherlands, which accounted for 78% of Peruvian shipments. Meanwhile, China and Spain were the destinations where the best prices were obtained, with prices higher than US$6.25 per kilogram.

Shipments to the United States increased

At the end of the campaign, according to estimates, Peruvian blueberry exports to the United States will reach 118.533 tons for US$700 million. This will mean a growth of shipments of 33% in volume and 28% in value with respect to the previous campaign. In the North American market, the average price of Peruvian fruit was US$5.91 per kilogram, 4% less compared to the previous season.

The growth of the Peruvian blueberry in the United States was driven by a 20% increase in demand for the fruit. Likewise, Peru managed to grow above the rest of the suppliers at the beginning of its campaign, due to the fact that local production remained similar to that of last year and that Canada decreased its shipments by 4%.

The main buyers of Peruvian blueberries in the North American market were Hortifrut Imports Inc., with a 22% share, and Camposol Fresh USA Inc., with 15%. As for the Peruvian companies that sent the fruit, Hortifrut Perú SAC stood out, with a 19% share, and Camposol SA, with 16%.

Prices in the Netherlands fell

Estimates for the Netherlands are 52.592 tons for US$305 million, 24% more in volume and 11% more in value compared to the previous campaign. In the European market, the average price paid for Peruvian fruit was US$5.81 per kilogram, 11% less than last season. It is worth mentioning that the Netherlands was the market that paid the least for Peruvian fruit.

In the Netherlands, the demand for blueberries grew 5%, below what the supply of its main suppliers grew, causing the price of imported fruit to fall. In this destination, the Peruvian blueberry competes with the South African between July and December. During the aforementioned period, the supply from South Africa to the European country grew 14%, which, together with the increase in the Peruvian supply, caused a contraction in prices.

The main buyers of Peruvian blueberries in the European market were Camposol Fresh BV, with a 15% share, and Driscoll's of Europe BV, with 7%. As for the Peruvian companies that sent the fruit, Camposol SA stood out, with a 17% share, and Complejo Agroindustrial Beta SA, with 12%.

China increases demand with better prices

At the end of the campaign, Peruvian blueberry exports to China (including Hong Kong) will reach 28.566 tons for US$179 million. This will mean a growth of shipments of 41% in volume and 66% in value with respect to the previous campaign. In the Asian market, the average price of Peruvian fruit is US$6.25 per kilogram, 17% more compared to the previous season.

China is a market served mainly by Chile and Peru, which together have a 99% share in the supply of blueberries. The Peruvian fruit arrives strongly between September and January, while the Chilean fruit arrives between January and March. Because they are the main suppliers and only meet for a month, they have room to grow at the rate of Chinese demand. The latter has been increasing thanks to the economic reactivation and changes in consumption trends towards fresh and healthy foods.

The main buyers of Peruvian blueberries in the Chinese market were Shenzhen Oheng Import & Export Co. Ltd., with a 20% share, and Shanghai Hui Zhan International Trade Co. Ltd., with 16%. As for the Peruvian companies that sent the fruit, Agrovisión Perú SAC stood out, with a 21% share, and Hortifrut Perú SAC, with 17%.

Opportunity in Spain

It is estimated that at the end of the season, shipments of Peruvian blueberries to Spain will total 1.689 tons for US$11 million, 38% more in volume and 43% more in value compared to the previous campaign. In the European market, the average price paid for Peruvian fruit was US$6.36 per kilogram, 3% more than last season. It is worth mentioning that Spain was one of the markets that paid the most for Peruvian fruit.

The growth of the Peruvian blueberry in Spain was driven by a 21% increase in demand for the fruit. In this market, Peru competes with South Africa between July and November, a country that increased its supply by 17%. Likewise, Peru had the opportunity to increase its shipments at the beginning of its campaign, due to the fact that local production ended earlier than expected. Thus, the Peruvian blueberry was able to grow without affecting its prices.

The main buyers of Peruvian blueberries in the Spanish market were Ideal Fruits SL, with a 31% share, and Surexport CASL, with 21%. As for the Peruvian companies that sent the fruit, Agrovisión Perú SAC stood out, with 31% participation, and Complejo Agroindustrial Beta SA, with 24%.