W12 Blueberry Update: Chilean Blueberry Exports Surpass Expectations for 2023/24 Season, Peruvian Blueberry Exports Declined by 22%, and Peru Authorizes Import of Blueberry Plants from Chile to Diversify Fruit Varieties

Chilean Blueberry Export for 2023/24 Season Surpasses Initial Estimates

According to the Chilean Blueberry Fruit Committee, the Chilean blueberry export season is expected to end with a volume exceeding 86 thousand tons. This figure is higher than the initial estimate but slightly lower than the previous year's shipments. This was influenced by a strategy to export lower-quality fruit in anticipation of higher prices. The season began strongly due to a fruit shortage but faced challenges later, including heat waves and high competition. The primary markets were the United States (US), the European Union (EU), and the Far East region. The 2023/24 season saw a 190% year-on-year (YoY) increase in air shipments, particularly to the US, due to supply shortages, while maritime shipments fell by 6%. Moreover, Organic blueberry exports grew by 5.4%, with the majority sent to the US, followed by Europe and the United Kingdom (UK).

Guatemala's Push to Increase Blackberry and Blueberry Exports to the US

Guatemala, the second-largest exporter of fresh blackberries to the US, aims to increase its 2% market share by capitalizing on the high price window between August and September. However, organic blueberries face entry barriers due to the high costs associated with existing protocols. A fruit and vegetable processing company in Guatemala is developing a cold-treatment program to bypass fumigation and invest in new blueberry plantations. New berry varieties with improved sweetness and consistency are being developed to boost export volumes and reduce air freight costs. With a strawberry shortage, Guatemala expects increased production of blackberries and blueberries, aiming to make exports more profitable than local sales.

Peruvian Blueberry Exports Decreased by 22% YoY in W10

Due to the abnormal climate conditions, Peruvian blueberry exports decreased by 22% YoY in the W10 of the 2023/24 production season. The average price of Peruvian fresh blueberries reached USD 8.99 per kilogram (kg) in Jan-24, an 80% YoY increase. Peru exported 27.5 thousand tons of blueberries worth USD 247 million in Jan-24, with export volumes increasing by 76% and export values more than tripled. Peruvian blueberries arrived in 24 destinations in Jan-24, with the US, the Netherlands, and China accounting for 92% of the total volume.

Peruvian blueberry exports to North America increased by 87% YoY

Peruvian blueberry exports to North America increased by 87% YoY in W10, reaching 16.5 thousand tons with a value of USD 152 million. Blueberry prices in the North American market were USD 9.17/kg, an 88% YoY increase. The demand in the Netherlands also surged, purchasing 6.2 thousand tons worth USD 58 million, with a 61% YoY increase in volume and tripled value. Peruvian blueberry prices in the Netherlands were the highest at USD 9.27/kg.

Peruvian blueberry exports to China also increased slightly, with prices also rising. The total volume of blueberries shipped to China was 2.2 thousand tons, valued at USD 18 million. The export volume increased by 31%, and the export value increased by 85% compared with the same period in 2023. The price of blueberries shipped to the Chinese market increased by 41% to USD 8.02/kg.

Peru Authorizes Import of Blueberry Plants from Chile

Peru's National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) has authorized Consorcio Agrícola Moquegua S.A.C. and Family Farms Peru to import 200 thousand blueberry plants from Chile. These plants will be brought in through the Santa Rosa Border Complex and aim to diversify fruit varieties in response to climate change. They must meet the same conditions as certified by Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service and will undergo phytosanitary inspection upon entry into Peru.