Africa Edition
According to Luis Miguel Vegas, the general manager of the Association of Blueberry Producers of Peru (Proarándanos), this will be a very difficult year for the production and export of blueberries in Peru because this year's weather anomalies will cause the harvest to fall significantly.
"In view of the low production, producers have had to carry out different agronomic management than usual. That can extend the campaign, which would shorten next year's campaign," he said. The presence of the El Niño phenomenon in the summer of 2024 could intensify its effects.
However, this lower production (and export) of blueberries has generated an increase in prices in the international market. Some countries, such as China and the United States have doubled the price; a positive factor of the fall in supply.
"We must open new markets," he added. “There are markets in Asia that are not yet open. The future of the Peruvian blueberry is in Asia," he stressed. In this regard, he added, the construction of the Port of Chancay (north of Lima) will be very important for Peru in the coming years. "We hope this project comes to fruition because it will be the connection between Peru and Asia and fundamental to increase Peruvian blueberry exports and thus continue to generate jobs in our country."
Asia (mainly China) currently accounts for less than 15% of Peruvian blueberry exports, he stated. "In the future, we should aim to increase Asia's participation from 15% to 30%. Consumers in Asia are in need of high-quality products and they are willing to pay a good price for that quality; thus, we see the best return on the growth of Peruvian blueberries in Asia."
Source: agraria.pe
