The Peruvian blueberry season closed with positive results, with exports reaching approximately 383,000 tonnes, in line with industry forecasts, according to Miguel Bentín, president of Proarándanos, the association representing Peruvian blueberry exporters.
“This season once again demonstrated the industry’s resilience in facing challenges and highlighted the growing role of genetics in shaping the evolution of Peru’s supply,” Bentín said.
Genetics drive a more diversified offer
Varietal renewal is increasingly becoming one of the main drivers of transformation in the Peruvian blueberry industry. According to Bentín, production is becoming more diverse as new genetic material with different characteristics is incorporated into the country’s offer.
At the same time, international markets are demanding fruit that stands out for its flavour, firmness, crunch, size and arrival condition. These are precisely the attributes that the new varieties seek to enhance.
Post-harvest performance has become a particularly strategic factor for Peru, given the long distances between production areas and destination markets.
“Post-harvest life has become a key aspect for an industry that serves markets located thousands of kilometres away,” Bentín stressed.
US remains the leading market, Europe gains share
The United States remains the main destination for Peruvian blueberries. However, growth during the latest season was more moderate than in other markets, partly due to the impact of tariffs.
By contrast, Europe performed strongly and gained a larger share of Peruvian exports. Asia also remains a strategic focus for the sector, with particular attention to the development of local blueberry production in China.
In terms of prices, Bentín acknowledged that pressure is inherent in a growing industry. However, he pointed to a positive trend: the market is beginning to distinguish more clearly between fruit based on quality, genetics and condition, resulting in different returns depending on the value perceived by consumers.
Cautious outlook for the coming season
Looking ahead to the next campaign, the Peruvian blueberry sector is adopting a cautious approach. Proarándanos notes that there is still significant uncertainty regarding weather conditions, with attention focused on the possible effects of the Coastal El Niño and the potential development of a global-scale El Niño event.
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Despite this uncertainty, Bentín underlined the sector’s capacity to respond to changing conditions.
“The industry is more mature, with better genetics, greater experience and a strong capacity to adapt,” he said.
The sector also continues to play an important social role in Peru’s producing regions. According to Proarándanos, the blueberry industry generates between 140,000 and 160,000 direct formal jobs in the country.
