According to Proarándanos, the latest figures reveal a 25 per cent decrease in Peru's blueberry exports compared to the same period of the previous season, totalling 10,000 tonnes until the last week of July.
The drop is attributed to lower blueberry production caused by the high temperatures induced by El Niño, as explained by Luis Miguel Vegas, the organisation's director general.
For the current 2023-2024 campaign, which started in May and ends in April next year, Proarándanos predicted a drop in exports, especially in its key phase: 'A month ago we made a projection that the volume could drop by 10%-15% in this campaign. We need to update this projection,' Vegas said.
One of the most affected varieties is the Ventura blueberry, planted on 6,000 hectares in Peru and accounting for about 35% of the country's blueberry exports. "The delay in production has an obvious impact on the volume of exports,' Vegas said. 'This situation highlights the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies within the blueberry industry, taking into account the relationship between weather patterns and agricultural processes".
In week 34, prices rose by 15.20 per cent, an increase of USD 0.91 over the prices recorded on 21 August, from USD 5.99 to USD 6.90.
ProArándanos has strategically outlined key areas on which to focus its agenda for the coming years. These areas include crucial aspects aimed at advancing the blueberry industry. The organisation is working diligently to expand the market reach under favourable conditions through collaboration with Senasa.
At the same time, efforts are underway to increase consumption within key markets through partnerships with international stakeholders.
In addition, ProArándanos is dedicated to facilitating production and export processes, coordinating closely with the public sector through AGAP (Association of Agricultural Producers Unions of Peru). The organisation is committed to promoting sector education by providing comprehensive statistical insights, forecasts and socio-environmental impact indicators.
A key objective is sustainable development, characterised by the adoption of efficient resource management practices and environmentally conscious farming methods. Through these concerted efforts, ProArándanos aims to ensure sustainable growth of the blueberry industry, informed decision-making and harmonious alignment with ecological issues.
Source: Agronometrics
Image: Racoool_studio on Freepik
