Ignacio Santibáñez: “Varietal replacement is key to maintaining the competitiveness of blueberries”
Within the framework of the XXXIX International Blueberry Seminar, held in Lima, Ignacio Santibanez It addressed two key issues that currently shape the commercial and technical discussion of the crop: the evolution of the quality of blueberry Peruvian wines at their destination and the growing importance of varietal replacement. In an industry increasingly demanding in terms of consistency, flavor, and quality, market analysis has become more refined and also more crucial for decision-making.
In a conversation with Blueberries Consulting, the executive explained that, while the campaign showed generally more favorable performance than the previous season, markets continued to detect certain sensitive attributes depending on the destination, such as red fruit in China, dehydration in the United States, and variations in firmness in Europe. Added to this is a significant change in how the fruit is evaluated: today, flavor is no longer a secondary parameter but has become a central part of competitiveness. blueberry.
—Ignacio, what have been the main quality and condition problems of Peruvian blueberries this season?
Overall, this was a pretty good campaign compared to the previous one. No particularly significant quality or condition issues were observed, which is already a positive sign for the industry. blueberry Peruvian.
There were some specific observations depending on the market. At the beginning of the season, for example, red fruit was detected in some varieties in China. This isn't a serious defect, but it did catch the attention of buyers. Some dehydrated fruit was also found in the United States, which wasn't a major problem either, although it was present. In Europe, meanwhile, firmness was the most closely monitored attribute, as it showed the most variation throughout the season.
—How did that firmness behave throughout the campaign?
The firmness was generally good, but not completely uniform. We monitor it week by week and create charts based on that assessment, which allows us to accurately see how the fruit's behavior evolves at its destination.
What was observed was that the campaign started with very firm fruit, then there were some declines in certain weeks, particularly towards the end of the year, around the period before Christmas. These dips were limited, but they did become visible within the overall performance curve. blueberry.
—Your presentation also touched on flavor. How has its importance evolved in the markets?
That point is very interesting today because it has changed quite a bit. Previously, inspection work mainly measured soluble solids, that is, the sugar level or Brix degrees of the fruit. If the blueberry It was above certain ranges; the parameter was considered to have been met.
Today, that's no longer enough. Flavor has become much more important, and that demands a more comprehensive evaluation. Our teams not only measure but also constantly taste fruit in markets and cold storage facilities, because knowing the sweetness level is no longer sufficient: it's also necessary to understand the balance between soluble solids and acidity.
—Then flavor ceased to be a secondary aspect.
Exactly. Before, it might have been secondary, but today it has become a central variable. This implies incorporating additional tools, such as acidity meters, to better evaluate the flavor balance of the blueberry.
Even in destinations like Europe, where flavor has historically been a less demanded attribute than in other markets, there is now a much greater concern. The market is paying more attention to the consumption experience, and that also presents a challenge to new varieties.
Ignacio Santibáñez on the panel “Reducing losses and maximizing quality: A systemic approach from genetics to the end consumer” © Blueberries Consulting
—What role are the new varieties playing in that scenario?
The new varieties are generally fetching the best prices, and that's highly relevant in an industry ultimately measured by commercial results. They have become absolutely essential compared to older varieties.
Therefore, varietal replacement is now key to the continuity and competitiveness of the business. blueberryThis is not just about agronomic or genetic improvement, but a strategic necessity to respond to what the markets are demanding.
—How are you seeing the performance of these new varieties in the field and at their destination?
In general, the new varieties currently in production that we inspected show very solid performance. They are consistent in size, flavor, and firmness, which are precisely the three most relevant parameters we are evaluating.
This consistency is very valuable because it allows for a better response to market demands and the maintenance of a more competitive value proposition for the blueberry.
—So what would your recommendation be for the industry?
I would say that varietal replacement is key and that, within what is economically feasible, producers should be attentive to moving in that direction. Today, new varieties are making a difference in performance and value.
The invitation is to observe this process strategically, because the continuity of the industry of blueberry It will depend, to a large extent, on their ability to adapt to these new demands for quality, flavor, and consistency.
Participation in the International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026
Ignacio Santibáñez participated in the XXXIX International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026 as a panelist in “Reducing losses and maximizing quality: A systemic approach from genetics to the final consumer”, an event that addressed the impact of quality, condition and consistency on the commercial performance of fresh fruit.
In that context, his intervention reinforced an idea that is becoming increasingly visible to the industry: in the business of blueberry, Maintaining competitiveness depends not only on volume, but also on the ability to respond with flavor, firmness and varietal renewal to increasingly demanding markets.
Ignacio Santibáñez on the panel “Reducing losses and maximizing quality: A systemic approach from genetics to the end consumer” © Blueberries Consulting
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Check out the full interview on our channel. Youtube Blueberries TV
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