After a challenging 2023-24 season impacted by extreme El Niño weather conditions, Peruvian blueberries are expected to rebound this year. Ricardo Polis, South America's regional director for Fall Creek, anticipates improved volumes as weather shifts to a La Niña cycle, leading to more normalized conditions in Peru. Despite uncertainties around what constitutes "normal" temperatures nowadays, Polis notes that this year's weather has been favorable.
Last season, Peru exported 224,000 tons of blueberries, a drop from the previous year's 284,000 tons. Polis projects a recovery to 300,000 tons in the upcoming season, highlighting that the optimal export weeks span from August to January-February. Peru is the world's leading blueberry exporter, predominantly serving the United States, which receives over 44% of its blueberry imports from Peru. In 2023, exports to the U.S. significantly decreased to 240 million pounds from 323 million in 2022.
Polis also mentions a global "revolution" in blueberry varieties, emphasizing larger, crunchier, less acidic, and sweeter fruits that will be available next season. He warns that producers must adapt to these new varieties or risk obsolescence, as older varieties like Biloxi no longer meet consumer expectations or retailer demand. Peru is also experimenting with new varieties suited for different climates, such as Sekoya Beauty and Sekoya Crunch.
Source: Freshfruitportal
Photo József Szabó on Pixabay
