Peru’s blueberry exports soar

Peru’s blueberry exports have rocketed this year, reaching a 36% higher volume higher than last year, according to Proárandanos, as the season draws to a close. By the end of November, Peru had shipped almost 175,600 tons of fresh blueberries. The US accounted for 55% of the volume (95,700 tons). A further 52,000 tons were destined for Europe and 24,000 tons for China, representing growth of 11% and 75%, respectively. India, which recently opened for Peruvian blueberries, has absorbed 26,000 tons of blueberries by air so far this season.

Luis Miguel Vegas the general manager for Proárandanos said that the 2021-22 blueberry campaign in Peru created a record 120,000 direct jobs, with 52% of the positions occupied by women. 

“This decentralised development has been due to the production of blueberries in regions such as Ancash, Cajamarca, Ica, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Moquegua and Piura. It has also been accompanied by investments in infrastructure and social programs to improve education levels, health and well-being in production areas,” said Vegas.

In 2016, only around 13 varieties of blueberry were harvested in Peru, while today, an estimated 60 different varieties are grown.