Peru consolidated itself as the world's leading supplier of blueberries in 2021, concentrating 25,1% of the total, and in 2022 exports have continued to grow. Between January and July, the export of blueberries amounted to 209.479.000 dollars, achieving a growth of 123,4%. Peruvian fruit reached a total of 25 markets in these first months of the year, the main destination being the US, with an increase of 106,1% and a concentration of 52,8% of total shipments.

Other markets with considerable increases in this period were China (421% variation), the Netherlands (90%), the United Kingdom (253,9%), Hong Kong (49,3%), Canada (84,1%), Thailand (54%), Brazil (75,9%), Spain (699,8%), Malaysia (23,3%) and Costa Rica (142%).

These admissions will be made once a week in refrigerated and airtight vehicles following the post-quarantine procedure in the district of Humay, province of Pisco, department of Ica, Republic of Peru.

The imported material will be subject to the procedures established in the Plant Quarantine Regulations, approved by Supreme Decree No. 032-2003-AG, and will comply with the opinions issued by the inspector of the National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa).

According to the ADEX Data Trade Commercial Intelligence system, the berry ranked second in the ranking of non-traditional agro-exportable supply last year, after fresh grapes and ahead of avocados, asparagus or mangoes.

“In the world, the consumption of fresh products with nutrients that strengthen health is prioritized, and blueberries fit these characteristics. Although the demand will continue to increase, it is important to take into account several elements that will help strengthen our position as the main global exporter”, commented the Head of Consulting and Projects of the Research Center for Global Economy and Business (CIEN) of ADEX, Lizbeth Pumasunco. .

One of them is the oversupply, not only in Peru, but in other producing countries that could push prices down. A second element is constituted by the organoleptic characteristics of the blueberry.

“Others are the training of producers; promote good agricultural practices in order to guarantee their safety and increase productivity; and identify more international buyers. Our guild organized the Expoalimentaria last September and the blueberry was one of the most sought-after products”, he recalled.

Business developer for South America for Somerfield Farms in the US, Eder Ríos, commented that buyers value the firmness and size of the fruit. “If it is more than 18 millimeters, it enters the jumbo presentation, and if it is more than 20 millimeters, superjumbo. Both are the ones that generate the best returns,” he explained.