The 2024/2025 Peruvian blueberry campaign was a record, but the next one could be better

The 2024/2025 campaign has been very special for Peruvian blueberries. Almost finished, Peru has achieved great milestones, the result of constant work in the technical and commercial fields of the main companies in the sector. Since the commercial expansion that began in the 2011 season, the berry has faced great challenges that have led it on a path that culminated in becoming the agricultural product with the largest exports in the country. This is due, in part, to the privileged climate, the large investment in technology, the improved varieties that are being introduced and the essential trade agreements, such as those with the United States and China, generating more than 200 thousand direct and indirect jobs in the process.

The conclusion of this arduous journey is reflected in the successful 2024/2025 campaign, which marks a milestone for Peruvian agricultural exports, even though it has not yet been fully completed, as it ends in March. In this campaign, a total of 327 thousand tons were added for a value of US$ 2,118 million until January 2025, which meant a growth of 54% in volume and 22% in value in all its presentations. Regarding the price, it was reduced by 21% compared to the same period of the previous campaign, standing at an average of US$ 6.48 per kilogram.

This marks a special record for agricultural exports, as it is the first campaign of any agricultural product to surpass the US$ 2,000 billion barrier and thus exceed even the values ​​exported by leading minerals such as zinc or iron. The main reason for this growth lies in the high volumes generated, favored by a more normalized climate during 2024.

It is also important to mention the new crops that have come into production this season, as well as the varietal replacement that is so necessary for the sector, which has moved to more productive varieties such as Sekoya, Eureka or Mágica. Despite this, there is still a good margin for improvement, as there are still large areas of Ventura and Blioxi that have not adopted the replacement. Another relevant point is that the distribution curve of shipments was able to flatten thanks to this varietal change and the delay in pruning, which contributed to the fact that, despite the increase in volume, prices did not fall so sharply.

Another key factor in sustaining this growth in volume without causing a significant price drop is the diversification of destinations. Most of the growth in exports was not directed to the main market, the United States —where the greatest downward adjustment in price was observed—, but to destinations that are experiencing a growing interest in berries, such as China and Europe. As for the main exporting regions, La Libertad stands out with a 51% share; Lambayeque, with 23%; and Ica, with 11%.

For the upcoming 2025/2026 campaign, expectations are quite high. On the one hand, the weather is expected to remain normal throughout the year, although there is still a high probability of heavy rainfall during the first months of 2026, which would actually affect the 2026/2027 campaign. That said, if conditions remain as favourable as in 2024, growth of between 8% and 13% in volume could be expected. And if quality and market diversification are maintained, the effect on price could be slight and therefore have a growth of between 4% and 7% in value.

International dynamics

The main destination, once again, was the United States, with more than 158 thousand tons shipped for a value of US$ 1,044 million; this meant a growth of 37% in volume, but only 5% in value. The price was the factor that determined that a greater growth was not registered, due to a fall of more than 24% compared to the previous period. Peruvian shipments continue to be well perceived in the United States, in addition to the fact that they do not usually coincide with other important campaigns, such as the Mexican or Colombian ones, although they do coincide with the domestic season of the country itself. Despite this, the quality of the Peruvian blueberry is considered superior and, therefore, it is usually more in demand and obtains better prices.

Shipments to Europe totaled nearly 96 thousand tons for an approximate value of US$ 609 million, which meant a growth of 57% in volume and 32% in value compared to the previous campaign. One of the most important increases in shipments was observed in this region, and a good response was recorded by the consumer, who maintained the price despite a reduction of almost 16% (much less than that seen in the United States). Competition with Chilean and Colombian shipments was evidenced by slight overlaps in the shipping schedules, but European demand responded satisfactorily to the flattening of the Peruvian schedule.

Finally, shipments to China totaled nearly 37 thousand tons (including Hong Kong) for an approximate value of US$ 237 million; this meant an increase of nearly 46% in volume and 13% in value. Regarding the price, it was reduced by 23% compared to the previous campaign. Although this destination also registered a large growth, this seems to be sensitive to the increase in supply, so it is expected that, over time, shipments will slow down, as has been observed in recent months. Nevertheless, it remains a relevant destination for the future of this berry.

Following the success of this campaign, Peruvian blueberries have not only set a precedent in agricultural exports, but have also become a symbol of innovation and resilience in the agricultural sector. This success has encouraged producers and exporters to diversify their crops and incorporate new technologies, fostering strategic alliances and greater investment in research and development. Various sources highlight that the modernization of production processes and the consolidation of logistics networks have made it possible to overcome climatic and competitive challenges, which strengthens Peru’s position in the global market. In addition, the experience acquired in the cultivation and marketing of blueberries lays the foundations for replicating this model in other products, such as raspberries, promoting sustainable and diversified growth in agricultural exports.

25.02.2025

Source: Agraria.pe / Translation: BlueberriesConsulting.com