Peruvian exports of blueberries to the United States have experienced a significant increase when compared to other supplying countries like Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, among others, said the Ocex of Peru in Washington DC.
According to the US Department of Commerce, Peruvian blueberry exports have increased by 494.5% during the last five years, and Peru has begun displacing the other exporting countries, which once dominated that market.
Chile continues to lead the list of supplier countries with nearly 40% of the market, followed by Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and Peru, which together with Chile, accounted for 99.9% of the US total blueberry imports during the last three years.
Canada has been the supplier most affected by Peru's increased participation, as its market share reduced from 27% in 2014 to 18% in 2016.
The gradual evolution of Peru's presence has not generated as great an impact on Mexico and Argentina, as they continue to have the 15% and 10% market share that they've had in the last three years, respectively, according to data from the Department of Commerce.
Destinations
The states of California and Florida account for 66% of all the blueberry imports entering the US market during that period.
In 2016, 54% of Peruvian blueberries arrived in these states, while 70% to 85% of the shipments of the leading countries also entered the US through ports in California and Florida.
Another important destination for the blueberries is Pennsylvania, which imports 7% of the total, and 27.2% of Peru's sales to the US market.
Price
At the beginning of March, conventional blueberry supermarket prices ranged from US $8 to US $ 10 per kilogram, while organic blueberry cost US $12 to US $20 per kilogram.
The average price of fresh conventional and organic blueberries was US $8.4 and US $16, respectively, while the average price of frozen blueberries stood at US $7.9 and US $12 (conventional and organic, respectively).
In relation to the existing supply in the market, conventional blueberries come mainly from Canada, Peru, and the United States. In contrast, the organic comes essentially from Chile.
Regarding their presentation, the fresh blueberries are usually packaged in hard plastic boxes weighing 6, 12, 18, and 24 ounces (170, 340, 510 and 680 grams).
The frozen products are often sold in plastic bags in larger presentations of 16, 32, and 48-ounce (454, 907, and 1,361 grams). These options are commonly available at Walmart, Trader Joe's, Marianos, and Safeway, among others.
This trend is not only evident in fresh produce, but also in the processed product, a sector in which there has been a considerable expansion reflected in the inclusion of the fruit in different products, such as cereals, energy bars, desserts, chocolates, juices, and energy drinks, among others.
This inclusion has played a very important role in the universal increase in demand for this superfood.
Opportunity
The growing preference for consuming more blueberries is undoubtedly a very interesting opportunity for exporters. Regardless of the rapid positioning of Peruvian fresh produce, it is imperative for companies to focus on developing and producing products of greater added value.
Not only to achieve more profitable business, but also to counter the strong competition of Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States, said the Ocex of Peru in Washington DC.
The demand for blueberry in general is an opportunity that should not be missed, since it has been evident in all of the food industry's sub-sectors, he stressed.
Source: gestion.pe