According to an article on agroberichtenbuitenland.nl, Peru is consolidating its position as the world's leading blueberry exporter with 25% of global exports. The country is expected to reach 20,000 hectares of cultivation by 2025.
The conditions of the Peruvian coast have proven to be ideal for the cultivation of blueberries; superior yields of over 10 tons compared to 8 tons in the US, coupled with climatic conditions, lower labor costs and a counter-season that supplies unsatisfied markets in Europe and the United States have resulted in a formula for success.
With supply mainly available in the months of August to December, the most important regions dedicated to blueberry cultivation are La Libertad, Lambayeque, Ancash, Lima and Piura. It is estimated that in total, Peru has 16,000 cultivated hectares and is expected to have 20,000 by the end of 2025. One point that hinders the increase in production is the high cost per hectare, which can vary from €40,000 to €70,000 depending on the complexity and technology applied. Despite the high costs, production and exports continue to increase.
Shipments to the Netherlands
In 2021, the greatest share of blueberries imported by the Netherlands came from Peru, followed by Chile and South Africa. Peru benefits from the counter-season and the highest value of blueberries imported by the Netherlands is during the months October through December.
In the months of January-March, Chile supplies most of the Dutch imports, but overall imports from Peru far outweigh imports from Chile. Based on the results from the first half of 2022, it is expected that a similar import pattern will be observed this year.
Source: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl