With a comprehensive view of the technical, logistical and commercial challenges that will shape the future of the sector, the XXXIX International Blueberry Seminar concluded, an event that for two days brought together more than 1.600 attendees at the Lima Convention Center, along with producers, exporters, researchers, technology companies and specialists from the global blueberry industry.

The discussions held throughout the program concluded that the blueberry continues to be one of the fruits with the greatest growth potential in global fruit farming, but its future development will increasingly depend on the ability to integrate science, technology, logistics, and market management within a single production strategy.

In this new phase of the industry, volume alone is no longer enough. Competitiveness is now defined by product consistency, the efficiency of the logistics chain, and the ability to maintain quality in increasingly demanding markets.

With two days of technical analysis, strategic discussion and presentation of new technologies, one of the most influential meetings in the global blueberry industry and the most important in America and the southern hemisphere concluded.

The industry is going through a stage of sustained growth, but also of greater technical and commercial complexity, which was reflected in the presentations and panel discussions between researchers, producers and companies in the sector: Competitiveness is no longer defined solely by the volume exported, but by the ability to integrate genetics, agronomic management, logistics and post-harvest within a coherent production strategy.

Firmness: the attribute that defines global trade

One of the most repeated messages during the seminar was the importance of fruit firmness as a key attribute for the international competitiveness of blueberries. Exported fruit must withstand sea voyages of several weeks to markets such as the United States, Europe, or Asia, which necessitates ensuring a structure and condition capable of withstanding this transit without losing quality.

In that context, various specialists agreed that firmness does not depend on a single factor, but on the interaction between genetics, nutrition, agronomic management and post-harvest.

Ignacio Santibáñez, CEO of QIMA Produce, explained that the new varieties developed for the country already incorporate this attribute as a standard:

“The new varieties being developed in Peru exhibit firmness and consistency. Consistency is reflected in the firmness week after week, and this parameter is key in the industry.”

© Blueberries Consulting

Genetics and flavor: the new market standard

Along with firmness, another highlight during the meeting was the growing importance of flavor as a differentiating factor to stimulate repeat consumer purchases.

The new generation of varieties seeks to achieve a more precise balance between sweetness, acidity and texture, characteristics that today directly influence the consumption experience and market loyalty.

Haydeé Quevedo, Quality Assurance Manager at Driscoll's, emphasized that blueberry quality is built upon a set of attributes:

“The combination of factors to achieve a quality fruit includes firmness, flavor, and size. These factors may vary according to the market, but these characteristics must always be present.”

This process is driving an accelerated varietal change in Peru, where producers are adapting their plantations to new genetics capable of responding to climatic and commercial challenges.

Varietal replacement and climate adaptation

The seminar also emphasized that the country is undergoing a period of productive transformation. New varieties must be carefully selected according to the characteristics of each agricultural zone, considering variables such as temperature, water availability, and climatic events associated with the El Niño phenomenon.

In that scenario, the specialists agreed that diversifying varieties and production areas will be key to reducing risks and maintaining the stability of supply.

The current stage requires a deeper analysis of the results of each campaign and a better understanding of the crop's productive behavior under different agroclimatic conditions.

Post-harvest and quality: taking care of every stage of the process

Another important point addressed during the meeting was the need to take care of each stage of the production process until the fruit leaves the container bound for international markets.

Cold chain management, proper harvesting, and post-harvest strategies have become key factors in ensuring that the product reaches the end consumer in optimal condition.

José Monasterio, Quality and Post-Harvest Manager at Frusan, highlighted the level achieved by the Peruvian industry in this area:

“There are no major problems in post-harvest. The consistency and quality in Peru is remarkable.”

César Guzmán, corporate quality manager at Agrovision, added that genetics also plays a decisive role in this process:

“The challenge for the industry is to meet customer expectations. Firmness is a very important parameter to evaluate. Peru is doing very well, and genetics is important to achieve quality and productivity.”

Logistics: the new strategic factor

While for years logistics was considered an operational component of the business, today it is beginning to be understood as a true strategic partner for the international trade of blueberries.

The ability to optimize shipping routes, guarantee the cold chain, and efficiently coordinate the various links in the export chain has become a central element in protecting the commercial value of the product.

In the case of Peru, one of the challenges highlighted during the meeting was the need to synchronize the development of port infrastructure with the growth of the country's internal connectivity, so that the advancement of new logistics terminals can be accompanied by an efficient road network.

© Blueberries Consulting

An industry that is becoming more sophisticated

Beyond the various topics covered, the seminar confirms that the blueberry continues to be one of the fruits with the greatest growth potential in global fruit farming, but its future development will increasingly depend on the technical precision with which the crop is managed.

Competition between origins is increasing, markets are demanding greater consistency in quality, and logistics is becoming a decisive factor for the commercial success of the sector.

In this new scenario, the leadership of the various producing countries will depend on their ability to integrate scientific research, genetic innovation, precision agronomic management, and efficient logistics systems. Events like the International Blueberry Seminar confirm that the future of the sector is not defined solely in the fields, but also in the spaces where science, the market, and technological innovation converge to shape the next chapter of this industry.

Furthermore, the closing of the XXXIX International Blueberry Seminar in Lima confirmed that the global blueberry industry is not only continuing to expand, but is entering a more sophisticated stage, where knowledge, technology, and product consistency will be the pillars of future growth.