This season’s first volumes of blueberries from Peru arrived in mid-August. Although the volumes arrived later compared with previous years due to Covid-19, the quality of the fruit is satisfactory. Lucas, head of Hortifrut China, talked about market expectations of Peruvian blueberries this season.
The crop this season has not been affected by extreme weather, and the fruit quality and yield are both good. Due to an increase in the planted area and plants reaching maturity on mass last year, the production of Peruvian blueberries this season is expected to increase by 30% to 160,000-170,000 tons.
“Due to Covid-19, the arrival of Peruvian blueberries in China was delayed by about 2 weeks. At present, five containers have been opened in Shanghai Huizhan Market, and more reefers will arrive in Hong Kong on the 19th. We expect that the price this season will slowly decline with the increase of new volumes, and the quality of the fruit will also improve accordingly.”
Data from the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) show that during the 2018-19 season, Peru exported 78,000 tons of blueberries, becoming one of the fastest-growing markets for blueberry exports in the world.
"China is undoubtedly one of the main export destinations. Since Peru gained access to China, the export volume has been increasing steadily year on year. Although there are many major producers in South America, Peru enjoys certain geographical advantages. The peak marketing season usually starts in mid-August and lasts through to November. During this period, there are small production and low marketed volumes from other countries, which also gives Peruvian blueberries a larger market space. The total export volume this season may reach 2,000 containers, of which Hortifrut is expected to account for about 15%."
When talking about sales expectations for Peruvian blueberries in China this season, Lucus said, “Thanks to the authorities’ effective control of the pandemic, the Chinese market has gradually recovered since May, and the momentum of consumption is also picking up. In addition, due to Covid-19 in the country of origin, the fruit arrived in China about 2 weeks later, which has also given us a buffer period. We expect the market situation to further improve after the Peruvian products become available on the market in mid-August."
"As more and more blueberry exporting countries are gaining access to China, market competition has become more fierce. I believe that only when local suppliers are stronger and their supplies are more stable can they meet the needs of the Chinese market. The countries that have open and free trade agreements with China will be in an advantageous position. I also believe that Peru’s blueberry exports to China will continue to grow steadily.”
Lucus believes that, as a perishable fruit, blueberries are greatly affected by weather and logistics conditions. Storage and logistics are also common concerns in blueberry trade. "For this reason, we are also constantly improving our breeding techniques, offering diversified varieties, constantly improving the packaging, and improving the external conditions during the process of picking, processing, and logistics."
More Information:
Contact: Lucas Rosello (Horifrut Asia Platform Export Manager)
Company: HORTIFRUT
Website: www.Hortifrut.com
Email: lrosello@HORTIFRUT.COM