Data released by the Peruvian Blueberry Producers and Exporters Association (Proarándanos) shows that Peru exported 217,000 tons of blueberries to 33 markets as of the 46th week.
Peruvian blueberry exports increased significantly by 28% compared to the same period last year, with exports to the United States up 52%, Europe up 31%, China up 14% and other destinations up 2%. Despite the significant rise in exports, the average price of Peruvian blueberries has fallen.
The head of Proarándanos said that increased production costs and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict have pulled down the profits of Peruvian blueberry growers. On the one hand, blueberry production costs have increased and shipping prices remain high, while Peruvian blueberry prices have declined. The average FOB price of Peruvian blueberries this season is $5.47/kg, lower than the previous season’s $5.85/kg. Meanwhile the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected the sales in the European market.
Compared with previous years, the export markets of Peruvian blueberries are more diversified this year. In addition to exporting to the three major markets of the United States, Europe and China, they also exported to Brazil and Central American countries, the Middle East and other Asian countries and regions, including India, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, China.
Patty, commodity manager of Good Fruit Cloud, told International Fruit & Vegetable Report that Peruvian blueberries have generally performed well this year, and imports have increased. Because of the increasing production of better varieties and the better performance of special varieties, Peruvian blueberries have improved in flavor and quality to varying degrees.
Currently, Peruvian blueberries are grown on 18,000 hectares, with a total of 65 different varieties of blueberries. In recent years, Peru has paid much attention to the diversity of blueberry varieties. before 2016, Biloxi alone accounted for 25% of the total area of Peruvian blueberries, and now more new varieties are replacing the old ones before. Many planting companies turn to plant new varieties with higher yields, and it is expected that in the next 4-5 years, Peruvian blueberry production will also show rapid growth.
Source: International Fruit and Vegetable Report
Post time: Dec-15-2022