In a context of reduced volumes of blueberries Peruvians impacted by climatic factors, the president and co-founder of Agrovisión, Steve Magami, maintained that his company “somehow I was prepared” for this situation.

To face this panorama, the executive said that they have focused on planting more resilient and climate-adapted varieties. "Since we only have 20% of our plantations in (variety) Ventura and zero in Biloxi, which represent more than 70% of the market in that region".

In that sense, the manager acknowledged that the industry has fallen this year, despite this the commitment to resilient varieties has made Agrovisión “less hit than the rest of the industry". "We are grateful to the genetics of our varieties, which are one of the pillars of our company"I affirm.

Regarding prices of the blueberries, assured that these have been high, but that - as long as Peruvian producers do not sell at lower prices - they will recover from the volume deficit at the end of the season.

"In the long term, this challenging season could be a blessing, because they will realize that they should not plant older varieties and should focus on varieties that adapt to the climate”, he remarked. Given this, he also hopes that planning for the replacement of old and less resistant varieties will be accelerated.

The premium varieties of blueberries of this firm are grown in Peru, Mexico, Morocco and the United States. “We are increasing our production in all of these countries to be able to supply our growing customer base throughout the year. Right now we are in a position to say that with the production of Peru, Mexico and the US we will be able to cover 52 weeks of premium blueberries to our markets.”, he pointed.

Supplies will first head to North America and then expand to Europe and Asia. Thus, for the executive, offering constant quality is vital for the market and consumers, allowing them to consume the same fruit throughout the year.

The look at China

Among Agrovisión's plans is to expand its production to China.

"With 400 million consumers (in China), we know the reaction to this product is good and our retailers are asking us to complete the 52 weeks. Peru will continue to supply for about eight months and then we will produce locally in the remaining months", advancement.

For this purpose, it is acquiring farms and will begin to plant end of this year or in the first quarter of 2024.

"At first these plantations will be exclusively to supply the Chinese market, but in the long term we believe that they will help supply other countries in the region.".