Peru exported more than 10,000 tons of blueberries between May when the current blueberry campaign began, and the end of July; a higher volume than at the beginning of the previous campaign. 92% of that volume was shipped by sea and 8% was shipped by air. Organic blueberries currently account for 9.2% of all exports, i.e. 992 tons.
It should be noted that exports are in line with the guild's projection. "If we continue this way, we estimate we'll export more than 250,000 tons by the end of the campaign," stated Luis Miguel Vegas, manager of Proarandanos,. This means exports would grow by more than 25% over the previous year. According to estimates, 90% of shipments would be exported between August and December, and 50% between September and October.
Up until the end of July, China is the main destination of the fruit followed closely by the United States. China accounts for 37% of the total exported, with 3,906 tons, and the USA accounts for 34% with 3,649 tons. Europe (without the United Kingdom) accounts for 13% with 1.394 tons, and the United Kingdom for 9% with 917 tons. Other destinations account for 8% with 809 tons.
Economic impact
Currently, this fruit is grown on 18,000 hectares located in different regions of the country.
In this campaign, at the departmental level, La Libertad has been the productive region that has contributed the most to exports with 57% of the volume. It is followed by Lambayeque with 26%, Ancash with 11%, Ica with 3%, Lima with 2%, Piura with 1%, and Moquegua with 0.3%.
Opening new markets.
Access to new markets is key for the Peruvian blueberry industry. The country's promotional, commercial, and health efforts allowed the opening of Taiwan in 2020. Last year, the country achieved opening India and Malaysia, and this year it achieved opening Israel.
The sector is working to open other markets such as Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, New Zealand, and Ecuador.
Challenges
The main issues are the logistical issue and the costs of importing essential agricultural inputs. The high costs of sea freight and importing inputs, such as fertilizers, are reducing profit margins.
In addition, there isn't enough space on the ships, so the agricultural export sector in general, which includes blueberries, is making strenuous efforts to export its fruits in the best conditions.
Another major challenge that the country faces is increasing demand. It is vital to work on consumer campaigns in different markets. The greater variety of supply must go hand in hand with greater demand.