After more than four years as general manager of the Association of Blueberry Producers and Exporters of Peru (Proarándanos), Luis Miguel Vegas Arias-Stella closed that stage and announced that he is taking the position as vice president of Commercial Management at Agrícola Don Ricardo.

The executive thanked his team for the support of his team in recent years in the berry union, highlighting his colleagues from other unions, as well as Senasa, AGAP Perú, the OCEX of Promperú, associated companies and professional organizations with which various initiatives.

Although he highlighted the milestones achieved by the Peruvian blueberry industry, Vegas pointed out that there is still much to do to enhance the competitiveness of this sector in the country. Among the agenda items to work on he indicated:

• Continue with the processes of opening new markets (Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, among others) and improving access to current markets (shorter transit times to Asia).
• Strengthen the promotion of consumption in the main international markets and in the national market (let's celebrate the “blueberry month in Peru”).
• Continue providing the best consumer experience with the best blueberries (supported by post-harvest handling and the best varietal genetics in the world).
• Continue developing statistical information reports and global projections to achieve a better informed industry.
• Continue to demonstrate the positive impact of a sustainable industry committed to the development of the country.
• Promote through AGAP the strengthening of our phytosanitary authority, increasing its inspection and pest control capacity, and a promoting regulatory framework.

“There are many opportunities to continue generating value through agro-export unions. I invite companies that have not yet decided to join to consider it and actively participate in their unions. Now it's my turn to take over at Proarandanos and take on a new professional challenge. “I am excited about a new beginning and committed to continuing to support the union and promoting the Peruvian blueberry from wherever I am,” the executive concluded.