José Moyano: “Port infrastructure is key to ensuring blueberries reach the European market successfully”

Ports and competitiveness:

José Moyano: “Port institutions are key to ensuring that blueberries reach the European market in good condition.”

In an interview with Blueberries Consulting, the director of the Port Authority of Malaga pointed out that traceability, digitalization, and coordination among stakeholders are increasingly crucial for the smooth entry of blueberries into Europe. He also stated that Malaga aims to consolidate its position as a complementary logistics gateway for accessing southern European markets.

25/03/2026

José Moyano at the International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026

At the 39th International Blueberry Seminar held in Lima, port logistics was once again highlighted as a strategic component for the competitiveness of blueberries at their destination. In a context marked by increasing demands for sustainability, document control, and arrival quality, logistical performance no longer depends solely on infrastructure, but also on the institutional capacity to coordinate processes, stakeholders, and standards throughout the entire supply chain.

In a conversation with Blueberries Consulting, José Moyano, director of the Port Authority of Málaga, analyzed the impact of these new requirements on Latin American agricultural exports to Europe. From this perspective, he explained how European experience in port governance and public-private partnerships can offer relevant lessons, and why Málaga seeks to position itself as a strategic ally for the growth of the sector. blueberryor in the markets of southern Europe.

—José, how have you experienced this edition of the seminar in Lima?

With great enthusiasm. The truth is that the event has far exceeded expectations, both in terms of the number of attendees and the quality of the presentations and exhibitors.

I believe these kinds of meetings are very valuable for the sector to continue growing and developing, especially in an industry as dynamic as the blueberry.

—Europe is currently facing increasing demands in sustainability and traceability. How does this impact port logistics and access for Latin American products?

The impact is direct. For Peruvian agricultural importers, and in general for all exporters seeking smooth access to European markets, understanding this regulatory framework is fundamental.

Europe now demands rigorous documentary control of production, complete traceability from origin, and precise monitoring of maritime transport conditions. Added to this is the digitalization of logistics processes, which has become a key element in ensuring continuity, control, and efficiency throughout the supply chain.

José Moyano at the International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026,

—What can Latin America learn from the European experience in port governance and public-private coordination?

Above all, we can learn from our mistakes, which have been numerous. Port governance has been a subject of debate in Europe for the past few years, with significant differences between the views of northern and southern ports.

However, that process ultimately led to a regulatory framework approved by the European Commission, which helps to integrate the various actors in the logistics chain. And that integration, precisely, is one of the most important foundations of an efficient port system.

—How does that connect with public-private collaboration?

In a very close way, because that regulation also governs the relationship between public administrations and private investors that are part of the logistics and port ecosystem.

In the case of the Port of Málaga, this means having a clearer framework for coordinating public action with the private actors necessary to sustain efficient operations. This coordination is essential to adequately support agricultural export chains.

—What place does Malaga occupy today in the entry of Latin American products into Europe?

Over the past ten years, Málaga has been developing a significant expertise in the management of perishable goods. Much of this work has been carried out with products from Latin America, with Peru being our main client, although we prefer to call them a partner or ally.

We started with avocados and mangoes, then added onions, and in this last period we've seen significant growth in grapes. We also expect to make strong progress with blueberries, which are currently emerging as one of the products with the greatest potential in this category.

José Moyano at the International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026,

—Why has the blueberry gained so much relevance in that context?

Because today the blueberryAlong with grapes, it has positioned itself as a food associated with very strong consumption trends: healthy snack, functional food, compatibility with physical exercise and with diets oriented towards well-being.

This gives it significant commercial visibility, but it also increases the demands on its condition upon arrival. Because it is a perishable and sensitive product, the logistics of the blueberry It requires high levels of accuracy and reliability.

—In terms of systemic competitiveness, what weighs more: the physical infrastructure or the institutional framework of the port?

It's a difficult question, because both are critical and both directly impact the customer, both at origin and destination.

But if I had to choose one, I would say institutional capacity. Infrastructure generates capacity, but it is institutional capacity that allows for the effective management of that capacity and translates it into efficient operations so that blueberries arrive in good condition at the European market.

—Why is this institutional dimension so important in the case of blueberries?

Because the European market has a growing supply and increasingly more competitors. Peru continues to lead the ranking of exporters, but other countries are also entering the market with greater force.

This makes Europe a market with a good supply and, at the same time, very demanding in terms of quality. blueberryFurthermore, consumers particularly value fruit that arrives firm, without loss of moisture, and without deterioration associated with excessive transit. Therefore, the quality of port management has a direct impact on the commercial outcome.

José Moyano at the International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026,

—What message would you give today to the blueberry exporters who are reading this interview?

They have an ally in Malaga. We want to work to ensure that the market of blueberry continue to grow, not only in Spain, but also in Portugal and throughout our logistical area of influence.

Our hinterland encompasses southern France, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast, and even offers competitive connections to northern Italy. In this sense, we provide a second logistical opportunity: a second gateway that doesn't involve doubling costs, but rather increasing reliability.

—And what value does that second logistics door have for the exporter?

This is very valuable because greater reliability translates into economic benefits. It can mean better recognition of product quality and also less exposure to penalties for losses or damages resulting from excessive transit times.

Ultimately, our goal is to establish ourselves as a strategic partner to facilitate access for blueberries to southern European markets.

Participation in the International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026

At the 39th International Blueberries Seminar Lima 2026, José Moyano participated in the panel “How does logistical efficiency redefine cost and competitiveness from the source?”, which addressed the impact of logistics operations on the commercial performance of fresh fruit. From this perspective, his analysis emphasized that, for the blueberryPort institutions, traceability, and efficient capacity management are increasingly crucial variables for competitive access to Europe.