In the framework of the XXXIV International Blueberries Seminar Peru 2025: Representatives from leading blueberry companies in Peru participated in the panel discussion "Production challenges by production region, phytosanitary control strategies, variety evaluation, market opportunities." The first day of the event took place on Wednesday, March 12, at the Lima Convention Center.

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Participating in the discussion panel: Jorge Esquivel, director of Blueberries Consulting, as moderator; Walter Apaza Tapia, Agr. Eng. MS. Phytopathology from the UN Agraria La Molina; John Valdivia, Blueberry Farm Operations Manager at Danper; Luis Rodríguez, Operations Manager of Hass Perú SA; Gonzalo Carlazara, manager of the Peru Business Unit of Agrovision; and John Paul Bentin, Production Manager at Family Farms Peru.

The panel discussion began with a presentation by Engineer Apaza, who explained the strategies used to maximize blueberry production and the challenges faced by producers.

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The panelists also addressed the characteristics of blueberry production in northern Peru versus southern Peru, the difficulties encountered during the 2024-2025 season, and the strategies employed to mitigate them.

Gonzalo Carlazara of Agrovisión pointed out that one of the problems faced in the northern region is climate disparity. The situation is different in the south, explained Juan Pablo Bentín of Family Farms Perú, based in Pisco. He mentioned that the high temperatures in the area require strategies to mitigate plant stress and reduce cooling.

Luis Rodríguez, Operations Manager of Hass Perú SA, noted that in Olmos, difficulties arise with access to water. However, he emphasized that solving these problems is what makes the agricultural industry so exciting.

Productivity

When asked by the moderator about the parameters for choosing a blueberry variety, the panelists agreed that a variety's productivity plays an important role in the selection. Fruit quality also determines the choice.

Juan Valdivia, a representative from Danper, mentioned that his company develops a strategy, as each blueberry variety responds to the needs of a target market.

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Regarding the main challenges facing Peru and its companies in the face of a growing global blueberry market, Carlazara noted that the rising global demand for blueberries and increased production represent a challenge in offering a more organized system, aiming for sustained production year-round.

For his part, Bentín was clear in stating that rapid production growth must be sustained by operational excellence at all levels, overcoming challenges such as labor shortages. Valdivia added that it will be key to have competitive varieties that guarantee Peru's position as the world's leading blueberry producer.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Blueberries Consulting events:

10th International Seminar on Berries & Cherries, Chile, April 2025, XNUMX
XXXVI International Berry Seminar, Guadalajara, Mexico, May 28 and 29
XXXVII International Blueberry Seminar Trujillo, Peru July 9 and 10
10th International Blueberry Seminar, Tangier, Morocco, September XNUMX