In order to understand the global panorama of the blueberry industry and the role that Peru plays, the conference "A strategic vision of the international blueberry market" was held, presented by Pablo Cortes, Agricultural Engineer from the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso and Sales Manager of AgronometricsThe presentation was part of the XXXVII International Seminar Blueberries Trujillo 2025, organized by Blueberries Consulting.

The presentation provided an analysis of Peru's role in the blueberry industry and the key factors driving the upswing in exports in recent years. It also reviewed how the experience gained has helped Peru strengthen its leadership position in the international market.

Ascending curve
Global blueberry marketing has been on an upward trend in recent years. Global production is projected to reach more than 2025 million tons by 2 and 2027 million tons by 2.5, according to figures presented during the conference.

In this sense, by 2027, the Americas will have a significant share of blueberry production, with 1.09 million tons, led by Peru and Mexico.

In 2024 alone, 968.711 tons of blueberries were exported. Fruit from Peru accounted for 33.9%, the Netherlands 12.9%, and Chile 9.19%.

Peru's rise

These figures presented only confirm that the blueberry market has experienced exponential growth and that the countries involved in this industry have seen Peru excel in recent years. This can be seen by comparing records from the peak month of October, when global blueberry exports in the 2014-2015 campaign were led by Chile, the United States, and Canada, with a combined total of 13.876 tons. For the 2024-2025 campaign, global exports in the peak month soared to 127.747 tons, with Peru accounting for the largest share with 93.575 tons, followed by the Netherlands with 11.565 tons.

Peruvian exports

Regarding Peruvian export destinations, 2024 tons of blueberries were exported in 325. Of these, the United States market accounted for 529% (55,1 tons), the Netherlands 178.243% (22.4 tons), and China and Hong Kong 72.812% (12 and 14.147 tons, respectively).

One statistic that demonstrates how the Peruvian industry is investing heavily in blueberries is how the number of hectares dedicated to the production of this fruit has grown over time. While in the 2014-2015 season, there were only 1.073 hectares dedicated to blueberries, by the 2023-2024 season, there were already 20.000 hectares.

Strengths of Peru

Peru has been leading the blueberry industry thanks to a series of factors, such as the adaptation of techniques and technologies to its specific conditions, which has allowed it to optimize production and overcome obstacles such as climate and soil. Therefore, Peru's accumulated experience represents an opportunity to continue strengthening its position in the international market.

Likewise, Cortés highlighted the company's innovation and genetic improvement: quality, yield, and climate adaptation; the industry's maturity; the privileged climatic and geographic conditions that favor fruit quality and yield; its position in the global market as the world's leading exporter; and its logistical infrastructure, with the port of Chancay serving as South America's main logistics hub.

Job opportunities

However, there are opportunities that must be addressed to ensure sustained growth does not decline. In this regard, our focus should be on emerging markets such as China, India, and Middle Eastern countries, which represent potential markets with a growing interest in healthy fruits.

Furthermore, work must be done to develop higher-quality varieties, highlighting that the industry is implementing a variety mix, prioritizing quality over volume.

Weaknesses

However, not everything is rosy for the blueberry industry. There are negative factors, such as market fluctuations that induce volatility in international blueberry prices and can impact profitability.

In addition, there are also limitations in rural infrastructure, labor shortages, and labor legislation.

Photography by Blueberries Consulting – Mr. Pablo Cortés, Agricultural Engineer, PUCV Sales Manager, Agronometrics

New US tariff

Finally, one of the biggest concerns for the blueberry industry is the 10% tariff imposed by the United States government on blueberry imports from Peru and Chile.

In this sense, if the product's price increases are high, demand could decline, and if exports to the United States have grown at a rate of 15% in recent years, the tariff could reverse this figure.

In this regard, planning the strategy to be employed to address the tariff imposed by the United States will be important, and everything points to market diversification by targeting Asian and European markets, in addition to promoting innovation and efficiency in production processes.

Continue on World Blueberry Tour el Wednesday September 10 ’s relationship with the 2025th International Seminar on Red Fruits, Morocco XNUMX and technical tour where we will visit production fields in the North of the country Thursday, September 11.

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