Peru's 2021/2022 blueberry export campaign, which runs from June to May, is about to end. Up to the first week of May, the country exported a total of 219,706 tons of blueberries for US$1.31 billion. Compared to the previous season, exports have increased by 32% in volume and 28% in value, with the campaign expected to end without major changes. This season the Peruvian blueberry was quoted at US$5.96 per kilogram, i.e. 3% less than in the previous year.
Once again, Peru was the world's main supplier of blueberries with a 25% participation. Peru obtained twice the value as Chile, the following most important supplier, which reached US$564 million for its blueberry exports.
During the campaign, Peruvian blueberries reached 36 destinations around the world. However, three destinations accounted for more than 90 percent of exports: the United States (55% share), the Netherlands (23%), and China (12%). China maintains the highest growth rate and year after year increases its shares.
The United States paid one of the lowest prices
Peru exported 121,798 tons of blueberries to the United States for US$717 million, i.e. 32% more volume and 28% more value than in the previous year. In this market, Peruvian blueberry was quoted at US$5.89 per kilogram, i.e. 3% less than in the previous season (US$6.08 per kilogram). The United States was one of the markets that paid the lowest price for the fruit.
The main blueberry suppliers of the US were Peru, with a 42% share; Canada, with 31%; and Mexico, with 8%. The price of Canadian blueberry in the United States stood at US$1.73 per kilogram, 71% lower than the Peruvian fruit; while Mexican blueberry was quoted at US$7.59 per kilogram, 29% higher than the Peruvian berry.
The main buyers of Peruvian blueberry in the United States were Hortifrut Imports Inc., accounting for 22%; Camposol Fresh USA Inc., with 18%; and Alpine Fresh Inc., with 7%. The main Peruvian export companies were Hortifrut Peru S.A.C. with a 19% participation; Camposol S.A. with 19%; and Agrícola Cerro Prieto with 8%.
Discrete growth in the Netherlands
The country exported 50,871 tons for US$300 million to the Netherlands. Compared to the previous season, fruit shipments grew by 15% in volume and 18% in value. In the European market, the berry was quoted at US$5.90 per kilogram, i.e. 2% more than in the previous period (US$5.77 per kilogram). This was the only market where the price of the fruit increased.
The main blueberry suppliers of the Netherlands were Peru, with a 39% share; Chile, with 23%; and Spain, with 10%. The price of Chilean blueberry in the European country stood at US$5.42 per kilogram, i.e. 8% lower than the Peruvian fruit; while Spanish blueberry was quoted at US$6.42 per kilogram, 9% higher than the Peruvian berry.
The main buyers of Peruvian blueberry in the Netherlands were Camposol Fresh B.V., with 16% share; Driscoll's of Europe B.V., with 7%; and OGL Food Trade GmbH., with 6%. The main Peruvian export companies were Camposol S.A. with a 19% participation; Complejo Agroindustrial Beta S.A. with 11%; and Hortifrut Perú S.A.C. with 8%.
China is the destination that pays the highest price
Peru exported 27,074 tons of blueberries to China for US$173 million, i.e. 62% more volume and 47% more value than in the previous year. The Peruvian fruit was quoted at US$6.38 per kilogram in the Asian market, 10% less than in the previous season (US$7.06 per kilogram). Despite this fall, the Peruvian blueberry achieved the highest price among the blueberries imported by China.
The main blueberry supplier countries for this market were Peru, with a 58% share, and Chile, with 41%. The Chilean blueberry achieved a price of US$6.36 per kilogram in China, 8% more than in the previous year. China has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations, not only because it pays the highest prices, but because it has a growing demand that requires attention.
The main buyers of Peruvian blueberry in China were Zhejiang Oheng Import & Export Co. Ltd., with a 24% share; Shanghai Hui Zhan Int. with 24%; and Camposol Foods Trading Shanghai Co. Ltd. with 19%. The leading Peruvian export companies to this destination were Agrovision Peru S.A.C., with a 30% share; Camposol S.A., with 24%; and Larama Berries S.A.C., with 14%.
Sources: Agraria.pe/FreshFruit