Since 2019, Peru has led world exports of blueberries and, since 2023, also table grapes. For this prominence to continue to rise, the varietal replacement It is configured as a strategy: the replacement of traditional varieties with improved genetics will allow us to meet the high demands of foreign markets.

Looking ahead to 2026, a year marked by general elections and the redefinition of economic priorities, it is important to know how many hectares intended for these fresh fruits have the possibility of embracing diversification.

The blueberry outlook

In the latest inflation report from the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP), the following is put on the table: varietal replacement as one of the factors that has determined the success of blueberry: a commercial window that, although it covers from September to December, has the option of being extended according to the pruning calendar.

This competitive advantage stems from the climate adaptation that those first seedlings brought from Chile more than 15 years ago—Biloxi and Ventura—had to undergo. Over time, other open varieties—Sekoya Pop, Rocío, Secoya Beauty, and EB-92—have been incorporated, to the point that, in 2024, these six accounted for 76% of exports.

However, there are also patented varieties, such as Eureka Sunrise and Eureka Gold, which have greater potential for increased agricultural yields compared to open-source varieties. In this regard, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP) is emphatic:

“The growth potential of production of blueberries It is in the varietal replacement of more than 8,000 certified hectares that still have open varieties and that represent about 42% of the total planted area.”, as can be read in the official document.

Furthermore, the entity shares a graph to demonstrate the progression in production of blue fruit And, incidentally, to highlight that its growth no longer depends solely on the planted area, but also on factors such as improved yield or climate.

Productive leap of table grapes

Table grapes have also seen changes in their production. However, in this group, global consumer preferences prevail: demand is increasingly focused on larger, crisper, seedless green grapes.

Since the 90s, Peru has been a pioneer in the transition, with varieties such as Thompson Flame, Crimson, Sugraone, and Red Globe. However, this list has gradually become "traditional," and now demands innovations that meet market requirements.

In detail, “the potential for continued growth in table grape production lies in the varietal replacement of 5,218 certified hectares, which would bring higher yields in the fields to be renewed and in those already renewed in the last three years, when the plants begin to register their best performances,” the BCRP report states.

“As with blueberries, licensed grape varieties have a higher yield potential compared to traditional varieties,” it adds.

The total productive margin

The 8,000 hectares of blueberries And the 5,218 hectares of table grapes awaiting varietal replacement total 13,218 hectares with the potential to increase productivity without expanding the agricultural area. This step, which relies on science, will be key to sustaining Peru's long-term leadership.

It should be noted that, up to October, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Midagri) estimated that shipments of fresh blueberries They reached US$ 1,806 million (17.8% share); while fresh grapes reached US$ 864 million (8.5% share).