With a strong emphasis on the global blueberry trade scenario, international logistics and the competitiveness strategies of the main players in the sector, the morning session of the first day of the XXXIX International Blueberry Seminar took place, an event that brings together producers, exporters, researchers and logistics operators from the global industry at the Lima Convention Center.

The first presentations and panels all agreed on one central idea: the blueberry remains one of the most dynamic fruits in international trade, but the business is entering a more mature stage where logistical efficiency, varietal genetics and market intelligence begin to define competitiveness among different origins.

A global market that continues to grow

The day began with a macro analysis of blueberry trade flows and consumption habits, presented by Rabobank analyst Gonzalo Salinas. His presentation addressed how the fruit has established itself as one of the most dynamic categories within the global berry market, driven by its positioning as a functional food associated with health and well-being.

This growth, however, is also creating a more competitive environment for exporters. Markets demand consistency in quality, firmness, post-harvest life, and logistical efficiency—variables that today influence commercial value as much as production volume.

In this context, the development of the Peruvian industry once again took center stage in the conversation. During the last season, the country exported over 375 tons, solidifying its position as one of the main drivers of growth in the international blueberry market.

Beyond the volume, the exhibitors highlighted the Peruvian sector's ability to improve its productivity, diversify its genetic offerings, and adapt quickly to the demands of the international market.

A global market that continues to grow

The day began with a macro analysis of blueberry trade flows and consumption habits, presented by Rabobank analyst Gonzalo Salinas. His presentation addressed how the fruit has established itself as one of the most dynamic categories within the global berry market, driven by its positioning as a functional food associated with health and well-being.

This growth, however, is also creating a more competitive environment for exporters. Markets demand consistency in quality, firmness, post-harvest life, and logistical efficiency—variables that today influence commercial value as much as production volume.

In this context, the development of the Peruvian industry once again took center stage in the conversation. During the last season, the country exported over 375 tons, solidifying its position as one of the main drivers of growth in the international blueberry market.

Beyond the volume, the exhibitors highlighted the Peruvian sector's ability to improve its productivity, diversify its genetic offerings, and adapt quickly to the demands of the international market.

Genetics redefines the value of blueberries

One of the most talked-about points of the morning was the presentation by Pablo Cortés, from Agronometrics, who analyzed the price dynamics in the international market.

His presentation highlighted a structural change in the way the market is valuing the product: variety has become the main driver of value for blueberries, surpassing even traditional variables such as origin or production window.

New genetics not only improve sensory attributes for the consumer, but also increase firmness, post-harvest life and consistency of the fruit at its destination, key factors for an international trade that is increasingly dependent on long logistics chains.

This process is driving accelerated varietal renewal in several producing countries and is redefining the competitive landscape of the industry.

Logistics: the new strategic axis of the business

The first panel discussion of the day addressed one of the most sensitive issues for agricultural exports: logistical efficiency.

The panel brought together representatives from the port sector, logistics operators and exporters to analyze how logistics has become one of the most decisive factors for the commercial success of the industry.

Participants agreed that the competitiveness of blueberries increasingly depends on an efficient, integrated, and technologically robust logistics chain capable of maintaining fruit quality during journeys of thousands of kilometers.

In that context, one of the most mentioned projects was the potential impact of the Chancay megaport, whose entry into operation promises to redefine Peru's commercial connectivity with Asia and open new opportunities for Peruvian fruit in high-growth markets.

However, several participants agreed that the country's logistical challenge is not limited to port infrastructure.

“Peru’s next leap forward must be in the logistics chain. We are confident in the quality of the product. But improving the internal logistics chain will make us more competitive in the world,” said Igor Seminario, general manager of SEATRADE Peru.

Similarly, Nick Bonifaz of VE Logistics warned that port development must be accompanied by improvements in land connectivity.

“Investing in road infrastructure is the great challenge in the short and medium term for Peru. While we have Chancay and Paracas as alternatives to decentralize the ports, we cannot allow the road network to fall behind,” he stated.

These reflections shaped a central idea that ran through the entire panel: for Peru to consolidate its export leadership and project itself as a regional logistics hub, it will be necessary to close gaps in internal connectivity and strengthen the country's entire logistics chain.

Reconfiguration of the global blueberry map

The morning's trading session concluded with a second panel focused on the reconfiguration of the global blueberry map and the strategies being adopted by the leading companies in the sector.

Participants agreed that the industry is entering a new stage characterized by greater competition between origins, greater technological sophistication, and increasingly demanding markets.

The sector's growth will continue to be driven by three major factors: genetic innovation, expanding consumption in new markets, and technological development. However, the challenge for producers will be maintaining profitability in a scenario where operational efficiency, varietal quality, and strategic market awareness will be crucial.

Lima as a space for strategic debate

Beyond the various topics covered, the morning session left a clear conclusion among the attendees.

The blueberry industry continues to undergo a phase of global expansion, but also of increasing sophistication. The business no longer depends solely on producing more fruit, but on doing so with greater technical precision, better logistics, and a deeper understanding of the international market.

With this strategic vision, Lima is once again positioning itself as one of the main spaces for discussion on the future of the global blueberry industry.