Federico Beltrán, general manager of Terra Business, explains why this is a crucial time for the evolution of the blueberry supply chain in Peru.
According to Federico Beltrán of the consulting firm Terra Business, Peru will reach its peak this year in terms of area planted to blueberries, before entering a phase of varietal substitution that will see a slowdown in the growth of planted areas.
In an interview with Red Agrícola, he said that as global demand for blueberries continues to grow, Peru 's challenge is to adapt its genetics so that it can meet the quality demands of the international market.
"We will no longer see an annual growth of about 2,000 hectares of new acreage under blueberries, as has been the case until now, but rather an aggressive program of varietal replacement at the rate of 500-1,000 hectares per year," Beltrán said.
"I predict that companies will continue to focus on improving the quality of their offerings and optimizing unit costs by moving to more intensive and efficient production systems with limited resources such as water."
Biloxi and Ventura together account for about 60 percent of Peru's varietal supply. However, there are 50 varieties planted in the country from 12 genetic programs and eight active clubs.
"Access to modern genetics and new production technologies have been the main tools through which Peru has managed to overturn its image as a producer of blueberries with high acidity and low caliber," Beltrán said, adding that "currently the quality of Peru's blueberry supply is positioned as one of the best in the world."
Beltrán pointed out that the sector has made significant progress in extending the harvest window and increasing the supply of blueberries organic, which now accounts for nearly 15 percent of Peru's production volume.
Beltrán estimated that by the end of the first quarter Peru will have exported 285,000 tons of blueberries, grown on about 20,000ha spread over 10 regions. Most of the production (70 percent) is in La Libertad and Lambayeque.
"The comparative advantage of the seasonality of the harvest coinciding with windows of opportunity is no longer sufficient in the face of increased global supply of quality, year-round," Beltrán continues. "Windows no longer exist. Developing competitive advantages based on positive differentiation, continuous quality improvement, logistics and competitive unit costs is the key."
"On the other hand, a major challenge and opportunity is to take advantage of the increased global demand for blueberries through diversification into new markets and greater penetration into current markets."
Source:Fruitnet
Fruitnet is part of the NCX Media network.
