Peru: Over 500 hectare of blueberries within a year

Peru is about to cultivate over 500 hectares of blueberries this year, as 300 ha is being added to the present 200 owned by Camposol, Talsa, Athos and Intipa Foods. This according to José Francisco Unzueta, General Director of Blueberries Perú. Unzueta says the strategy is in the interest of Peruvian investors: “In the coming years the blueberry trade will undoubtedly be one of the most appealing in the country’s agriculture.”

Unzueta adds that Peru’s arrival on the international market is eagerly anticipated because of its climate, said to be more favourable than that of Chile and Argentina. “In periods when the blueberry harvest is scarce, mostly in the Fall, we get thousands of orders from abroad. During these months, neither Chile nor Argentina is able to deliver, and Europe and the US are prepared to pay handsomely.”

Exploring the possibilities of enlarging Peru’s blueberry production, initiated by Sierra Exportadora, is therefore an interesting, even necessary venture, according to Unzueta. In the highlands experimentation is already underway. “The blueberry is a demanding, but versatile crop. You don’t need a cold environment for it to flourish; it will continue to provide fruit, even in climates unlike its own.”

As far as packaging and distribution is concerned, the fruit isn’t any different than other fruits. “The capacity is there to handle large quantities of fruit, and to ship them in excellent condition.”

Source: Agronegocios Perú