The world market for blueberries The market is experiencing uncertainty due to weather conditions and the possibility of reduced Peruvian supply at the start of the next season. This is according to Nick Tirado, commercial director of All Seasons Food Solutions (ASF), part of the Danper Group, which specializes in the import and distribution of raw fruits and vegetables in the United States and Canada, and Cristina Albuquerque, commercial director of Danper's fresh produce division.

The prices of blueberries Prices have increased since the 2023/24 El Niño event, marking a significant milestone for the Peruvian industry. The 2025/26 season was characterized by lower availability of Peruvian fruit in the early part of the season, as Peruvian production extended into March, which boosted prices in international markets. Chile benefited from higher returns in Asia and Europe, while Mexico maintained a stable supply to the United States thanks to its logistical advantage. In the United States, local production faced higher costs and increased competition from imports due to harvest delays caused by weather conditions.

© Danper

Executives stated that the El Niño phenomenon remains the sector's main cause for concern, particularly in Peru, the world's leading exporter of blueberriesHowever, they warn that the true magnitude of the climate phenomenon is still uncertain.

“There is a lot of speculation about El Niño; there are even publications talking about a super El Niño,” they said. However, “it has not yet been determined whether it will be a weak El Niño or a medium or high El Niño.”

They explained that in northern Peru, including La Libertad and Chiclayo, the producing areas are very sensitive to the El Niño phenomenon, which has been causing sustained temperature increases in recent months. "We are experiencing higher temperatures; it is a much warmer autumn, and this certainly affects production." blueberries«, They affirmed.

© Danper

Rising temperatures will have a significant impact on the Ventura variety, which still represents a substantial portion of the cultivated area in Peru. According to ASF and Danper, this variety is particularly sensitive to high temperatures and could experience delays in the start of the season and in productivity.

There could be another one-month delay, which could reduce availability early in the season and shift more volume to later months starting in November, they added.

A potential delay in Peru could generate greater competition among different markets, all eager to quickly complete their local harvests. Global demand in the United States, Europe, and China exceeds supply. "If a shortage occurs at the start of the Peruvian season in various markets, it could create an attractive and promising price scenario for Peru," they stated.

© Danper

In this context, market behavior will depend not only on Peru but also on how production evolves in Europe, the United States, and Canada, given that these regions are not immune to other adverse weather conditions. After Peru's peak season, there will be an overlap with Chile, and during the last third of the season, Mexican fruit will also be available to US consumers.

However, Danper considers it premature to predict specific figures. "No one can confirm at this time the extent or effects of El Niño in the coming season," they emphasized.

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