In the past few years, blueberries have positioned themselves as the second most important variety of berries in the US market and Peru is among the four main suppliers of this product, said the Commercial Office (Ocex) of Peru in Los Angeles.
The positioning of blueberries as the second most consumed variety of berries in the United States is reflected in the significant per capita consumption growth, which went from 0.26 pounds in 2000 to almost 1.8 pounds in 2016, according data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Furthermore, the level of blueberry sales in the retail channel amounted to US $1.77 billion during 2017, which represents an 8.4% growth.
The United States continues to be the main producer of blueberries in the world, but its production does not meet domestic demand. As a result, it has become the largest importer of blueberries, concentrating more than 60% of world imports with US $893 million in 2017, according to the US Department of Commerce.
Relevance
This product is relevant to Peru because it is considered a superfood. The positioning that this product has achieved between operators and industry leaders in the North American market is evident, as exports to this country have gone from US $ 6.9 million in 2013 to US $ 160.4 million in 2017, i.e. an impressive 2,214% increase.
Peru has a market share of 18% in the United States and competes with other supplier countries such as Chile, which has a 31% share, Mexico 25%, and Canada 18%.
To ensure the dynamism achieved by its exports, it is necessary to pay attention to the demand and consumer preferences dynamics to understand where the commercial opportunities for Peruvian blueberries would lie and to strengthen the positioning and growth achieved so far.
61% of the blueberries bought in the United States are of the conventional kind, 24% are conventional and organic, and 11% are organic.
Presentation
The presentation of the product is another point to take into account, because it influences prices. The fresh product has a higher price and represents 62% of all blueberries consumed.
Meanwhile, the processed product usually doesn't achieve a high price, when compared to the fresh one, but it plays an important role in the total demand.
Strategy
The projections of different experts indicate that the demand for blueberries will continue growing, which makes it necessary for Peru to have a very precise strategy so that its blueberry supply continues to be successful and sustainable.
Source: gestion.pe