The Peruvian blueberry season saw a delayed start, but production is peaking now with multiple varieties being harvested at the moment. "Compared to last year, it has been a very different year in terms of weather," says Adriana Fortune, Sales Manager with Gourmet Trading Company. Last year, El Niño raised temperatures, impacting quality and yields with volume being short all season long. This year on the other hand, it has been a bit cooler than normal, causing a slower start to the season. "However, the plants seem to have liked the lower temperatures as the fruit is coming out nicely and volume is back to normal," commented Fortune.
Ad opportunities
Peak arrivals are expected to come into the U.S. by mid-October and there should be enough volume for promotions, particularly leading up to Thanksgiving. "Last season, there wasn't enough volume to supports ads in November, but this year, the industry should be able to do it, in November as well as December," said Fortune.
While things are looking much better volume wise, conditions vary by growing region. Lambayeque in the northern part of the country is experiencing scarcity of water due to limited rainfall, which is potentially troublesome for growers in the region of Olmos. Ica in the south on the other hand, is expected to be delayed due to the current cooler conditions. La Libertad - south of Lambayeque but north of Ica – is having a good season so far. "Proarandanos, the Peruvian Blueberry Growers & Exporter Association, is doing a good job seeking data from their members about the harvest and keeping the industry updated. That way, we can all plan accordingly." Last season was a big lesson for most in the industry and everyone is trying to use last season as a lecture and benefit from it this season.
Altogether, the season is looking very good. In addition to promotable volumes being on the water now, quality is also favorable. "The fruit is firm, great bloom, good size, and most importantly, it eats well. We are happy with the fruit that is coming from our farms right now," says Scott Hulsey, CEO of Gourmet Trading Company. "I think it will be a great season with good volume and quality, as well as good demand."
Organic blueberries are Gourmet Trading's mainstream. In addition, the company works with conventional growers and markets their fruit as well. The main markets for the company's fresh blueberries are both coasts of the U.S. as well as Europe. "Our focus is on retailers, and we like to plan our season alongside our customers," commented Hulsey. "We are proud of the partnerships we have with our customers."
Scott Hulsey, CEO of Gourmet Trading and a team member of Gourmet Blueberry Peru are looking at the fruit.
Pricing is a question mark
In the very short term, the uncertain factor is the port strikes along the U.S. East Coast as arrivals could be impacted. What's also uncertain is the development of pricing. "We have a great quality product and if timing is right, we should see a hungry market that's ready to take volume," said Luciano Fiszman, VP of Sales & Procurement. In that case, the price should be competitive enough for retailers to move significant volumes while growers should still be making money. "At the end of the day, we all have to protect the grower to be able to produce blueberries today and tomorrow."
For more information:
Gourmet Trading Co.
www.gourmettrading.net
Adriana Fortune
[email protected]
Scott Hulsey
[email protected]
Luciano Fiszman
[email protected]