The Peruvian blueberry sector is facing an increasingly complex environment marked by rising logistics costs, route instability and stronger international competition. This was highlighted during the 39th International Blueberry Seminar held in Lima, where logistics emerged as a key factor in export competitiveness.
Industry representatives agreed that variables such as transit time, arrival condition and market timing are critical to returns, transforming logistics from a cost component into a strategic lever.
Rising costs and growing uncertainty
Mario Salazar, President of Chavín Agricultural and director of the Civil Association Frío Aéreo, warned that higher freight rates, unstable routes and competitive pressure—particularly from China—are affecting sector performance.
According to Salazar, freight costs are already impacting exporters, with recent increases of around US$500 above standard rates, mainly linked to higher oil prices. In addition, disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, port congestion and route diversions are affecting delivery times and product quality.
Logistics as a determinant of commercial performance
In a highly sensitive product such as blueberries, logistics efficiency has become a decisive factor. Producing volume and quality at origin is no longer sufficient: exporters must ensure that fruit reaches the right market, at the right time and under optimal conditions.
Delays or quality losses can result in lower prices and reduced competitiveness compared to other origins. In this context, exporters are strengthening route planning and contingency management, reassessing the feasibility of transit times under current conditions.
Increasing competition in Asia and structural challenges
China remains a key market, but its role is evolving. The country is expanding its domestic blueberry production and increasing its presence in other Asian markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea and Japan, intensifying competition for Peruvian exporters beyond China itself.
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In response, the Peruvian sector is leveraging its production advantages, including shorter production cycles and favourable growing conditions. However, structural challenges remain, particularly in terms of investment and access for smaller producers.
Blueberry production requires significant capital investment, estimated at between US$80,000 and US$100,000 per hectare, which limits participation mainly to medium and large-scale operators.
Innovation as a pathway forward
Technology-driven production systems are emerging as a key adaptation strategy. Greenhouse cultivation, for instance, can optimise water use, reduce exposure to adverse weather conditions and enable more precise control over variables such as light, humidity and plant nutrition.
The Lima seminar underscored the importance of industry forums for knowledge exchange and strategic alignment. In the current context, the competitiveness of the Peruvian blueberry sector will depend not only on production capacity, but also on its ability to manage costs, logistics and market access effectively.
