Andina

Peru: Blueberry exports likely to exceed US$700 million in 2019

15:38 | Lima, Nov. 25.

The Peruvian Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry (Minagri) has projected that blueberry exports may exceed US$700 million at the end of the current year.

In the January-October 2019 period, blueberry shipments to international markets reached US$538 million (73,866 tons).
 
During the last five years, said exports experienced exponential growth.

In 2018, 73,903 tons of blueberries were exported for a FOB value of US$555 million, a 54% expansion if compared to 2017.

According to the Trade Map, Peru was ranked the second-largest blueberry supplier in 2018, accounting for 18% of total exports of said fruit.

Furthermore, the national blueberry production reached 94,805 tons in 2018, that is to say nine times higher compared to 2015 and an 81% increase over 2017.

Last year, the main markets for our fresh blueberries were the United States, the Netherlands, England, China, and Spain.

Producing regions

Peru's blueberry-producing regions are: Ancash, Arequipa, Ica, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Lima.
 
In 2018, only La Libertad and Lambayeque accounted for 96% of the total national production.

Lastly, Minagri estimated the national blueberry production  —by the end of 2019— will near 150,000 tons.

(END) MDV/MVB

Published: 11/25/2019