Peru recorded a 32% decrease in fresh blueberry exports, shipping around 171,500 tonnes between the start of the 2023/24 season (week 18) and week 51, compared to the same period last year. These figures, disclosed by Proarándanos and reported by Agraria.pe, indicate a possible outcome for the current season with total shipments estimated at 215,000 tonnes, reflecting a 25 per cent decrease compared to 2022/23.
The CEO of Proarándanos, Daniel Bustamante, attributed this drop to reduced production and harvest delays caused by high temperatures in the country's northern coastal regions, the main blueberry growing areas. This situation has affected the supply of fresh blueberries in the main consumer markets, as Peru is the main world exporter of the fruit, contributing to the strengthening of prices.
Daniel Bustamante pointed out that some varieties of new genetics have proved more resilient to high temperatures, as they require fewer hours of cold weather. He pointed out that the industry, despite its young age, is carefully evaluating the varieties best suited to local conditions.
Regarding the coming season, Bustamante noted that it is still too early to determine the impact of the climate, particularly the El Niño event, on production in 2024/25. However, he emphasised the importance for growers to take significant precautions and carefully monitor the behaviour of plants in response to environmental conditions.
Daniel Bustamante, CEO of Proarándanos.
Read the full article: Eurofruit
Images: Blueberries consulting, Fresh Fruit Portal
