Peruvian Blueberry Exports Expected To Exceed 250,000 Tons, China's Imports Temporarily Ranked First

By the end of July, Peruvian fresh blueberry exports this season exceeded 10,000 tons, more than the same period of the previous season. Ninety-two percent of these were by sea and 8 percent by air.

The Peruvian Blueberry Producers and Exporters Association (Proarándanos) said that fresh blueberry exports are expected to exceed 250,000 tons this season, an increase of 25% year-on-year. Ninety percent are expected to be exported between August and December, with 50 percent concentrated in the peak export period of September to October.

By the end of July, China was the main export destination, accounting for 37% (3,907 tons) of total exports. The United States followed with 34% of exports (3,649 tons). Europe (excluding the UK) accounted for 13% (1394 tons), the UK for 9% (917 tons) and other destinations for 8% (809 tons).

Since the last 5 years, the area planted with blueberries in Peru has increased significantly and has now reached 18,000 hectares. The La Libertad region is the largest contributor to exports, with local production accounting for 57% of total exports of blueberries. This is followed by Lambayeque (26%), Ancash (11%), Ica (3%), Lima (2%), Piura (1%) and Moquegua (0.3%).

The current challenges facing the Peruvian blueberry industry come mainly from the rising costs of logistics and fertilizers, and another challenge is how to expand market demand. In addition to the existing export markets, Peru has been trying to develop new markets, with Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, New Zealand and Ecuador all under negotiation.