The export of Peruvian blueberries has exceeded all expectations. According to preliminary figures, the fruit's shipments abroad in 2016 were worth 232.9 million dollars, which is a 140% growth compared to the figure achieved in 2015, as reported by Sierra y Selva Exportadora, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
The United States was the main destination of the shipments with 130.7 million dollars, followed by the Netherlands (52.7 million), the United Kingdom (29.6 million) and Canada (4.9 million), according to figures from Customs. Sierra y Selva Exportadora highlighted this important growth, since in May of last year it had projected the value of blueberry shipments to exceed 200 million dollars, due to the growth rate of the country's blueberry production.
In 2013, the blueberry production volume had stood at 1,688 tonnes; in 2014, it reached 3,000 tonnes and 2015 came to an end with the production at 9,600 tonnes. For 2016, the blueberry production in Peru had been estimated to reach 20,000 tonnes, almost doubling the figure achieved in 2015.
Contribution of small producers
15% of the blueberry shipments came from small producers, who on average own between 1 and 10 hectares; this is the reason why Sierra y Selva Exportadora sought to convince these producers to take advantage of the berry boom in order to energise the sector, while also recognising the work being done by large companies.
One of these small producers is Fernando Jiménez Loayza, of Agrícola La Esperanza, based in Huaral, Lima, who in 2016 exported 36 tonnes of blueberries (Biloxi variety) to the United States and Europe. Loayza owns 10 hectares of blueberry crops, out of which only 6 hectares were productive in 2016. In 2017, the remaining 4 hectares will also become productive, allowing him to expand to other destinations. His sights are set on China, given last year's opening of this market for the entry of Peruvian blueberries. Thus, he expects to increase shipments of this fruit to 100 tonnes.
Similarly, Pierina Sotomayor, of Blue Agro Perú, based in Cañete, Lima, exports blueberries (Biloxi variety) since 2014 also to Europe and the United States. This year she plans to ship to China and the United Arab Emirates.
In her production area, producers have been implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to obtain the Global GAP certification, which will make it possible to enter new markets with competitive prices.
In Áncash, the blueberry production is also being developed on 5 hectares of the Peasant Community Nuevo Amanecer, located in the district of Coris, Aija province. This project is the result of collaboration between Lincuna and Sierra y Selva Exportadora and 72 families in the area are benefitting from it and being provided with technical assistance in the marketing, both at national and international level.