The first tests for blueberry cultivation in Peru began in 2009. Since 2012 its production and export has increased significantly, a trend that still continues. Exports of this berry between January and October this year amount to $16.5 million dollars.
The main target market is the United States, which accounts for almost half of all blueberry shipments abroad. However, as several European countries are major buyers of Peruvian and South American blueberries, it is necessary to know them to better access them. These markets are the UK, the Netherlands and Germany.
United Kingdom
The UK is the most demanding market. After apples, berries are the main fruit consumed by the British. They mainly consume strawberries, followed by blueberries, blackberries, cherries and raspberries. Last year alone, the blueberry market moved about $190 million pounds (298 million dollars). The UK market is the world's second largest market for berries, after the United States.
The British consumer focuses on quality, not price. Hence, they'll be willing to pay high prices as long as their needs are met. However, they require that the fruit's taste and quality are constant, a trait that Peru still hasn't quite accomplished.
Germany
It is a market focused on prices. Blueberries are the fruit with the biggest harvest in Germany and one of the Germans favourite fruits. Blueberry consumption has been increasing steadily and now many Germans want to consume them even when they're not in their main season, so imports are increasing.
The Netherlands
It is the third country of destination for Peruvian blueberry, with 21% of all exports. Per capita consumption in this country amounts to 950 grams per year and has grown by 700% since 2010, which says a lot about the enthusiasm felt by the Dutch for the blueberries. However, unlike the UK or Germany, the Netherlands doesn't produce blueberries, so they are dependent on other countries to meet local consumption.
Peru has set a new standard of quality that distinguishes it from other South American markets, such as Chile and Argentina, so the country has opportunities for further growth. However, the inconsistency in the flavour of the Peruvian blueberry production needs to be addressed if the country wants to increase exports to the British market. Growers should keep experimenting and trying to achieve accuracy in volume, quality, and flavour; characteristics required by the main European countries.
Source: Proexpansión