In the entire production process related to blueberries for export, there are multiple moments and aspects that can be decisive for the economic results of producers and agricultural companies. A small mistake can affect months of dedication and many resources used, both human and material.

Systematizing one's own experience and that of others, correctly using the transfer of knowledge, putting tools and technology to good use, professionalizing the different procedures and all the actions or stages of the production process, are some of the recipes that experts recommend. acquire them as a habit to ensure successful results. And yet it is never enough.

Seminar Theme

At International Seminar which will be held in Trujillo on July 6 and 7, this issue will be addressed in depth, as it is a determining aspect for producers who export to distant destinations, as is the case of the Peruvian blueberry industry.

"Segregation of raw material and critical points: determining factors for the export of quality blueberries" will be the presentation given by the agronomist specializing in quality and post-harvest, Claudio Yáñez, who has 30 years of experience in Copefrut developing post-harvest tasks and 15 of these dedicated specifically to blueberries, receiving and inspecting fruit in distant destinations, such as China, Europe and the USA. 

The specialist has extensive knowledge of field cultivation, acquired in his permanent views of the crops in the many countries he has visited. We spoke with the expert prior to his participation in the next Trujillo International Seminar:

What are for you the main problems in the export of blueberries?

At destination we have specific problems, in fruit condition we are affected by rotting and soft fruit. Another point that complicates us with our receivers is the inconsistency of the product. This is partly solved by knowing what each receiver wants and carrying out a segregation of fruit at origin according to the demands of each market or receiver.

What do you call critical points?

All critical points are those errors in the production chain that affect the condition of the fruit and shorten its shelf life.

How should these problems be prevented?

Control, control and more control, teach and induce each person who works with us to emphasize that their work is important, thus efficiency is achieved, which is the only way to compete at destination with fruit with better genetics.

What do you expect from your participation in the Trujillo International Seminar?

Take a look at the operation itself, get your hands on the fruit, see the parameters we have to check the maturity indices (firmness, internal maturity of the fruit, defects, etc.) in order to define the best market for each type of fruit.

Peru currently has around 60 varieties of blueberries in full production, so the segregation of the fruit at harvest is an essential activity to offer a homogeneous product. In addition, if we think that these dozens of varieties are grown in different climates, we must conclude that the variables multiply in terms of results of the fruit and its condition, and if we add that in each crop we must face four flourishes, the possibilities rise exponentially, so taking action on this aspect of production is essential, as the expert says. 

El International Blueberry Seminar It will be held in the facilities of the Hotel Costa del Sol Wyndham Trujillo Golf in two days, on July 6 and 7.