Peruvian blueberry varieties evolve, with Ventura and Sekoyan Pop taking the lead.

In response to industry demands for blueberry firmness, flavor, and logistics transportation, within less than 10 years, Peruvian blueberry varieties have rapidly evolved: Ventura and Sekoyah Pop dominate the planting area, while the traditional Biloxi variety is gradually being marginalized, followed by varieties such as Magica, Rocio, and Emerald. Since 2016, the relative share of Biloxi has started to gradually decline, while Ventura and the recently rising Sekoyah Pop have continued to grow. These new varieties are not only high-yielding but also have a crisp and sweet taste with a long post-harvest shelf life. Ventura occupies nearly 1/5 of the blueberry planting area in Peru, with higher yields, good fruit shape, and better fruit condition after harvest. The planting area of Sekoyah Pop is still smaller than Ventura, but its growth momentum is strong, especially in technologically advanced farms focusing on the high-end market. This variety has a crisp and refreshing taste with a rich flavor, making it suitable for long-distance transportation. The main challenges currently faced are in planting technology management and how to convert quality into higher returns. Today, excellent top-tier blueberry varieties occupy the vast majority of the planting area, laying the foundation for Peru's export activities targeting specific markets. At the same time, the concentration of planting a few varieties increases the dependency on plant protection and climate, which requires more refined planting and post-harvest management. Therefore, many companies focus on Ventura and Sekoyah Pop while also incorporating second-tier varieties to diversify risks. The United States remains the primary export destination for Peruvian blueberries, and its demand largely drives the update of varieties. Many companies continuously adjust their planting plans according to the specific requirements of North American retailers. Blueberries exported to the U.S. market prioritize firmness, resistance to damage, cold stability, and fruit size suitable for common box specifications. The European market pays more attention to the sensory experience of consumers, in addition to firmness, it also values whether the flavor is sweet, balanced, and stable, as well as a more attractive appearance (uniform color, fewer blemishes, uniform fruit shape). Environmental certifications also have an impact on blueberries exported to the European market. China has become a critical destination for Peruvian blueberries, but unlike the U.S. and European markets, the Chinese market prefers large or extra-large fruits, requiring a crisp taste, distinct color, and perfect appearance. Sekoyah Pop and other new-generation varieties are more popular in the Chinese market, and the key factor determining profitability is whether the fruit can maintain its crispness after several weeks of transportation. Exporters targeting the Chinese market tend to provide the best quality fruit to the market through specific pruning, fruit thinning, and selective harvesting. Image source: blueberriesconsulting2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For reprinting permission, please contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report and credit the source.