The Head of Consulting and Projects at the ADEX Global Economy and Business Research Center (CIEN), Lizbeth Pumasunco, highlighted that Peru was consolidated as the world's leading supplier of blueberries in 2021, concentrating 25,1% of the total and having the US as its main destination. Proof of this is that today China consumes four times more Peruvian blueberries than last year .

According to the ADEX Data Trade Commercial Intelligence system, this berry ranked second in the ranking of non-traditional agro-exportable supply last year, after fresh grapes and ahead of avocados, asparagus, mangoes, preparations used for food of animals, and citrus.

“In the world, the consumption of fresh products with nutrients that strengthen health is prioritized, and blueberries fit these characteristics. Although the demand will continue to increase, it is important to take into account several elements that will help strengthen our position as the main global exporter”, he commented.

One of them is the oversupply, not only in Peru, but in other producing countries that could push prices down. A second element is constituted by the organoleptic characteristics of the blueberry.

“Others are the training of producers; promote good agricultural practices in order to guarantee their safety and increase productivity; and identify more international buyers. Our guild organized the Expoalimentaria last September and the blueberry was one of the most sought-after products”, he recalled.

In turn, the Business developer for South America of Somerfield Farms in the USA, Eder Ríos, commented that buyers value the size (caliber) of the berrie. “If it is more than 18 millimeters, it enters the jumbo presentation, and if it is more than 20 millimeters, superjumbo. Both are the ones that generate the best returns,” he explained.

Other qualities are the firmness of the blueberry, since the transfer time must be taken into account and what it would take to reach the final consumer. Depending on the destination, he continued, a firmer fruit will always be more appreciated than a soft one.

“The bloom (also known as pruina) is also taken into account, a characteristic white coating that protects the blueberry from biological or natural agents; the degree of brix (sweetness) and the acidity, whose level must be optimal not only to avoid the reproduction of pathogens, but also so that its consumption is pleasant”, he detailed.