Peruvian blueberry production volume will increase by 20% this season

As a result of investments in recent years, the export of Peruvian blueberries is increasing. For the strong season from August to December this year, a 20% increase in volume is projected, according to Proarándanos.

According to Daniel Bustamante, the president of Proarándanos, this year's supplies would reach 200,000 tons, positioning Peru as the main world exporter of that berry.

Bustamante indicated that they continue to work with Senasa in opening markets in Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea in particular. In that region, they already export to Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan.

Today, half of the shipments goes to the United States. However, they plan to further diversify the destinations, with markets such as China. Although this country still receives 17% of supplies, this year the volume would double.

Proarandanos develops a genetic work to open and adapt new varieties and, above all, varieties resistant to long trips.

In 2016, Peru only had 13 blueberry varieties, while today they offer 46, with Biloxi and Ventura being the most produced. The entry of new varieties could satisfy the demand in certain markets, such as Chinese or English, which require better firmness, size and sweetness.

Bustamante said the increase in exports was achieved thanks to the investments of past years. He believes that the impact will be seen a little in 2022, but more in 2023, and from then on it would reach maturity without many investments.