The Ventura variety, characterized by its vigorous upright growth and high yields of early maturing fruit, has navigated through the dynamic landscape of Peruvian blueberry production. Amidst the El Niño crisis, new varieties showcased resilience against high temperatures, unlike older varieties such as Biloxi and Ventura, which experienced reduced yields. This event underscored the necessity for varietal replacement within the industry.
In 2016, Peru's blueberry cultivation landscape was predominantly occupied by the Biloxi variety, constituting almost 60% of the plantations. However, Ventura eventually emerged as a dominant variety. Presently, Peru boasts around 65 different blueberry varieties, with Biloxi and Ventura together accounting for 47% of the cultivation, highlighting a rapid varietal evolution.
The introduction of new varieties has been pivotal for the Peruvian blueberry industry, ensuring continued growth in both yield and fruit quality. According to Proarándanos, the Peruvian Association of Blueberry Exporters, export data up to week 48 of the 2024-25 season reveals a persistent consumer preference for the Ventura variety across various global markets.
In the US, a key market for Peruvian blueberries, the 2024/2025 season saw a 62% increase in shipments, with 27% of nearly 130 thousand tons being of the Ventura variety. Europe, with the Netherlands as a primary entry point, also demonstrated a strong preference for Ventura, accounting for 50% of total shipments. Meanwhile, in China, Ventura's popularity trails slightly behind the Sekoya Pop variety, indicating the emergence of new genetics. The UK market has also shown a significant inclination towards Ventura, with 27% of the shipments belonging to this variety.
As part of a market diversification strategy, Peru has expanded its blueberry exports to other destinations, witnessing a 60% increase in shipments, with Ventura constituting 16% of these exports. Notably, the Ventura variety, a product of the Fall Creek Genetic Improvement Program, is recognized for its lower winter chill requirement, greater heat tolerance, and suitability for the fresh market through manual harvesting.
Source: Blueberries Consulting