Global: Uncertainty in the face of the new southern blueberry campaign

Written by Betina Ernst, President of Top Info. The last campaign was a shock for the blueberry industry, as it developed completely differently than what was usual. Responsible for this were the changes caused by the El Niño phenomenon on Peruvian production. The world had become accustomed to Peru as a reliable supplier, which year after year provided increasing volumes to the northern markets, but 2023 was not the case. Due to the effect of El Niño in the first part of the campaign, yields fell abruptly and Peru exported 40% less than in the previous year. Two problems arose; on the one hand, the decrease and on the other, the unpredictability. It was necessary to adjust the forecasts week by week. This explains why the sector begins the new campaign with some uncertainty and anxiety. How will it go? Can moments of shortage or excess supply be anticipated? Will it be necessary to look for more than one supplier to ensure the supply of fruit? Luckily, the weather has normalized. ...