In recent decades, Peru's agro-export sector has gained strength as one of the main drivers of the country's economic growth.

During this period, and up to now, blueberry production has increased its participation in total agricultural exports, going from representing 0.7% in 2014 to 15.2% in 2021, becoming the second product that generates the most foreign currency in the sector. .

In a little more than 10 years, the production of the Peruvian berry had an exponential development. Between 2016 and 2022, the blueberry industry registered an average annual growth of 53.1%. Its continuous upward trend means that today its leadership as the largest berry exporter in the world is indisputable.

An example of this are the figures reported in December by the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP) for the period January – October 2022. The latest data published by the institution, show that the Peruvian production of blueberries exported during these months reached 210 thousand metric tons (MT), exceeding two months before the end of the year the total fruit shipped abroad during 2021; 207 thousand MT. This represents an increase of 36.4%.

Blueberry shipments reported up to October 2022 were valued at US$1.112 million, increasing by 20.2% compared to the same period in 2021.

Its main markets continue to be the United States (52.2%) and the Netherlands (22.3%). The Port of Rotterdam is located in the latter country, one of the largest in Europe and the gateway for Peruvian fruit to the continent.

Offer Balance

The BCRP reports an 11.9% drop in the average price of Peruvian blueberries. A piece of news that, although it alerts trade associations, does not worry all producers.

According to the banking institution, the price drop is due to the oversupply of Peruvian blueberries in the world market. 

Table designed by Blueberries Consulting with data from the Central Reserve Bank of Peru published in December 2022.

The main producing regions of Peru, La Libertad, the department that will host the next International Seminar Blueberries Trujillo Peru 2023, and Lambayeque, have increased the volumes exported by 40.3% and 45.5% respectively.

This growth, which led to an oversupply, is explained by the decision of some companies to renew their blueberry varieties for more modern ones, those with lower production costs and higher yields. 

Although the drop in price may affect the profitability of producers with lower-yielding varieties, those who have made the aforementioned change have offset the drop in price by lowering production costs and selling larger volumes to retailers. foreign. 

The information sources available on the export of blueberries in Peru have a certain gap. Therefore, during January 2023 you will find in our portal the latest information available on the development of the Peruvian blueberry season, corresponding to the figures that describe the productive activity of this sector during the months of November and December 2022.

More information on the analysis of blueberry production in 2022 will be available to attendees of the next International Seminar Blueberries Peru (Lima), which will be held at the LCC Convention Center on March 08 and 09, 2023.