Blueberries – Global Demand on the Rise

Latin America dominates the global blueberry export market, with Peru, Chile, and Mexico leading the pack. Surprisingly, the Netherlands ranks second among exporters despite minimal domestic production, instead re-exporting blueberries arriving in Europe via the port of Rotterdam.

Between 2019 and 2022, nearly all of the top 10 blueberry exporters witnessed an uptick in external shipments, except for Chile. Notably, Peru experienced the most substantial growth during this period, with an annual rate exceeding 37%.

PERU: A POWERHOUSE IN THE GLOBAL BLUEBERRY LANDSCAPE

Peru has held the title of the world’s foremost blueberry exporter since 2019, surpassing Chile, as per the International Blueberry Organization (IBO) report. With over 21 thousand hectares under cultivation, boasting 65 varieties (with ventura and biloxi being the most prevalent), and churning out more than 285 thousand tons annually, Peru exports nearly its entire production to approximately 35 countries. The lion’s share of the produce heads to the United States, claiming a 54% market share, trailed by Europe at 26%, and China at 13%.

In the 2022/23 season, Peruvian exports surged to all these destinations compared to the prior harvest, with the local industry actively seeking new market openings. In 2022 alone, trade commenced with Israel and Jordan, while negotiations progressed with Indonesia, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea. Presently, Peru boasts year-round export capabilities, with peak production occurring between August and December – during this window, over 80% of the country’s blueberries are dispatched.

A report from the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) underscores Peru’s diverse blueberry producer landscape, with approximately 20% consisting of small-scale growers with 10 hectares or less. While this presence of small producers offers benefits such as resilience to adverse weather conditions and extended harvest seasons, it also introduces challenges related to quality consistency and farming practices among these smaller players.

Source: Hf Brasil

Click here to read the original news report: https://www.hfbrasil.org.br/br/hortifruti-cepea-mirtilos-demanda-global-em-ascensao.aspx

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