W13 Blueberry Update: Decreased Peruvian Blueberry Exports in 2023/24 Season, While Chilean Blueberry Exceeded Initial Estimates From the Previous Year

Published 2024년 4월 4일

In W13 in the blueberry landscape, blueberry production in Peru experienced a 22.38% YoY decline in 2023/24 due to climatic factors and a hot winter. Meanwhile, Chilean blueberry exports exceeded initial forecasts, with over 86 thousand tons exported. The US, Netherlands, and England are the top three destination markets for Chilean blueberry exports. US blueberry forecasts predict favorable yields and quality for 2024. Lastly, Asturias faces new challenges in blueberry production due to new varieties and cultivation techniques.

Peruvian Blueberry Exports Dropped by 22.38% YoY in 2023/24 Season

Peruvian blueberry exports declined by 22.38% year-over-year (YoY) in the 2023/24 season, with 222 thousand tons exported in the 2023/2024 season. This drop was primarily due to climatic factors, including Cyclone Yaku, which affected the primary blueberry-producing regions like Piura, Lambayeque, and La Libertad. Additionally, the hot winter had a negative impact on the flowering of blueberries and other crops. Despite this setback, Peru remains the global leader in blueberry exports, driven by significant growth in previous seasons. A President of a consulting firm anticipates an increase in blueberry production for the 2024/25 season as the climate normalizes. In Jan-24, Peruvian blueberry exports reached USD 212 million, nearly tripling the figure from Jan-23.

Chilean Blueberry Exports Exceed Initial Forecasts Despite Challenges in 2023/24 Season

The 2023/24 Chilean blueberry export season is expected to end with over 86 thousand tons of shipments, slightly lower than the previous year but surpassing the initial forecasts of 82.3 thousand tons. Despite challenges like El Niño, heatwaves, and increased competition, especially from Peru, affecting fruit quality and pricing, the season started well due to a market shortage. The top three destination markets for Chilean blueberry exports are the United States with 39.3 thousand tons, the Netherlands with 26.2 thousand tons, and England with 6.9 thousand tons, with a significant increase in air shipments. Meanwhile, Chile's organic blueberry exports increased by 5.4% YoY, reaching 14.5 thousand tons by W10. The United States (US) accounted for 74% of these exports, while Continental Europe and the United Kingdom (UK) received 24% and 2%, respectively.

US Blueberry Forecasted Favorable Yields and Quality Anticipated for 2024 Harvest

In California, a company anticipates a robust spring harvest of domestic blueberries, with favorable yields and top-notch quality projected. Expect a strong production of conventional and organic blueberries from California, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Additionally, early July will see contributions from the growing regions of the Pacific Northwest. Peak volumes of Florida blueberries are forecasted for mid-to-late Apr-24, while Georgia's production is set to commence in early Apr-24, reaching its peak in early May-24.

Asturias Faces New Challenges in Blueberry Production

Blueberry production in Asturias, Spain has experienced a significant shift in the last 15 years due to new varieties and cultivation techniques. This has expanded the geographical range of the crop, attracting other regions to the market. The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (Serida) has released a report outlining strategies to boost the region's competitive edge, including adjusting the production calendar to capitalize on the summer months. The report suggests that Jun-24 and Jul-24 present an optimal production window for Asturias, as global supply is lower, particularly from the Northern Hemisphere.