Lima 2026 Seminar News

Jorge Retamales: “The firmness of the blueberry is not defined solely in the field”
During the 39th International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026, the international researcher and consultant analyzed the factors that explain the loss of firmness in blueberries between the field and their destination. His participation also coincided with a tribute to his scientific career and his contribution to the development of blueberry cultivation.
Juan Hirzel: “In blueberries, no single nutrient is more important than another.”
The INIA researcher cautioned that the nutritional management of blueberries should focus on balance, not on over-application of elements like calcium. He also highlighted the role of silicon in fruit firmness and post-harvest behavior.
María del Carmen Salas: “Nutritional balance and timely control are key in blueberry management”
The researcher and professor from the University of Almería addressed in Lima the importance of maintaining nutritional balances and monitoring crop variables in a timely manner to safeguard the firmness and behavior of the fruit.
Daniel Díaz: “In blueberries, growth regulators only express their potential if there is good nutrition.”
In an interview with Blueberries Consulting, the agronomist and PhD in plant physiology explained that the blueberry's response to hormones and growth regulators depends on a proper nutritional base. He also warned that excessive vegetative vigor can compete with the fruit and affect its firmness.
Thomas Fichet: “In blueberries, hormones play a key role in the plant's adaptation”
The researcher highlighted the role of plant hormones in the balance and adaptation of the plant to adverse conditions, and stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen technical knowledge in a blueberry industry that continues to expand strongly.
Ignacio Santibáñez: “Varietal replacement is key to maintaining the competitiveness of blueberries”
In an interview with Blueberries Consulting, the CEO of QIMA Produce noted that the Peruvian blueberry season performed better than the previous one, although there were some specific issues with quality and condition depending on the destination. He also highlighted that flavor has become more important in the commercial evaluation of the fruit and that new varieties currently command the highest market value.
Haydeé Quevedo: “The flavor of blueberries will continue to make a difference in an increasingly demanding market”
In a conversation with Blueberries Consulting, Driscoll's Quality Assurance Manager warned that the upcoming season will be marked by weather alerts, logistical challenges, and a constantly evolving international market. In this context, she maintained that quality, sustainability, and the consumer experience will continue to be decisive factors for the competitiveness of blueberries.
Juan Pablo Avendaño: “Logistics must preserve the commercial value of blueberries”
The commercial manager of Fracht Group addressed the main logistical challenges facing the blueberry export industry in Lima. In his opinion, improving infrastructure, connectivity, technology, and outsourcing will be key to safeguarding fruit quality and maintaining its value in destination markets.
Mario Salazar warns that logistical pressure and China's advance are reshaping the blueberry business.
The president of Agrícola Chavín warned in Lima that, in a scenario of higher costs, unstable routes and growing competition from China, blueberry logistics must be considered a strategic variable to maintain competitiveness.
Pablo Cortés: “Premium varieties are showing a sustained advantage in the price of blueberries”
The Sales Manager of Agronometrics presented in Lima the progress of a study analyzing the performance of blueberry varieties in the Peruvian market. Preliminary results show a sustained increase in the market share of premium varieties, along with FOB prices consistently above average, a signal that could influence future varietal replacement decisions.