Peru's blueberry production has experienced remarkable development since 2011, when Sierra Exportadora launched the Peru Berries program, now known as Agromercado, positioning the country as a world leader in exports of this fruit, with sales exceeding 1.7 billion dollars. Alfonso Velásquez Tuesta, senior advisor to the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) and a key figure in the promotion of Peru Berries, forecasts that Peru will maintain its leadership in exports and also become the world's leading producer of blueberries.
Peru Berries' strategy focused on integrating small producers into blueberry cultivation from the start, recognizing the fruit's potential to generate a positive impact throughout the value chain, from labor to input suppliers. As a result, small farmers with cultivation areas varying between 5 and 50 hectares account for 30% of the national blueberry production, in contrast to large companies that operate extensions of more than 1,000 hectares.
Velásquez Tuesta highlighted the evolution in the selection of blueberry varieties, as producers have gone from growing the Biloxi blueberry, a royalty-free variety with characteristics that are not so demanded by the market, to varieties with royalties that offer fruits of greater size and sweetness, in line with current demands. The varietal change represents a financial challenge for small producers, he said. However, emerging markets such as China, India, and Indonesia present opportunities for the Biloxi variety, especially in the context of free trade agreement negotiations, he added.
With global demand for blueberries on the rise, Velásquez Tuesta sees a promising future for the expansion of the crop in Peru, highlighting the crucial role of small farmers in the growth and sustainability of this industry.
Source: agraria.pe