The Beta Agroindustrial Complex in Peru is set to enhance its infrastructure to combat water scarcity by constructing two additional reservoirs and drilling two new wells. This initiative is part of their strategic response to the ongoing water shortage affecting their operations. Currently, the company is on track to surpass its blueberry production target at the Olmos farm in Lambayeque, aiming to produce more than 12,000 tons this season, despite a slight decrease from the previous year's 13,000 tons. The introduction of the Sekoya Pop blueberry variety in August has contributed positively to the campaign's overall performance, according to Miguel Corilla, the agricultural manager of Lote Olmos 1.
Despite challenges, including a delayed pruning process and a return to historical low temperatures only in May, the farm is now harvesting 50 tons of blueberries daily, a significant improvement over the previous year. However, the last avocado campaign saw a reduction in production, from 13,000 tons to 7,000 tons, attributed to the adverse effects of the previous year's Niño Costero. The company remains optimistic about the recovery of plant productivity in the upcoming campaign.
To further address the water scarcity issue, Beta plans to implement additional infrastructure, adding to the existing two reservoirs and four wells across their fields. The company is also expanding its blueberry variety portfolio by planting 50 hectares of the new Mágica variety at the Olmos 2 farm and another 50 hectares at the Santa Margarita Fund in the Ica region, totaling 100 hectares dedicated to this new blueberry variety.
In 2023, Beta emerged as the fourth largest blueberry exporter in Peru, with foreign sales reaching US$120 million. The company's general manager, Lionel Arce, reported an EBITDA of approximately US$90 million for the year, attributing the financial success to crop diversification and favorable blueberry and table grape prices in international markets.
Source: Blueberries Consulting