In W22 in the blueberry landscape, it was reported that blueberry fields in West Michigan, US, are approaching peak season, with the largest projected crop in years. The main concerns for a successful season are frost damage, extreme temperatures, and hail. On the other hand, Peru is the leading exporter of fresh blueberries globally for the fourth consecutive season, with over 280K tons of blueberries exported directly to 31 countries. The country boasts nearly 18.5K hectares of blueberry cultivation and over 65 varieties. During Q1 2023, Peru's agricultural sector showed significant progress despite challenging weather conditions, including heavy rains and flooding. The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation of Peru reported a substantial increase of 37.5% in blueberry production compared to the same period in 2022. The growth in blueberry production is due to the expansion of cultivated areas in regions such as Lambayeque, Ica, and La Libertad. Blueberries are the main agricultural product exported by Peru, with sales surpassing USD 1,364M in 2022. The United States remains the primary market for Peruvian blueberries, accounting for over 152K tons exported in the 2022/23 season, approximately 53% of the total volume. Due to the increased supply from Peru, blueberry prices dropped compared to the previous season. Prices ranged from USD 13.93 per pack in W44-45 of 2022 to USD 25.33 per pack in W10 of 2023. Lastly, in Georgia, the mass gathering of blueberries will begin in W23. Recent seasons have experienced delays due to colder weather and rainfall in the producing regions, leading to a shift in the harvest start date to June. While export prices have yet to be determined, Georgian blueberry growers anticipate Russia will remain a significant market. The volume of the harvest is expected to see an increase. In the upcoming 2023 season, mature orchards and new commercials expect to contribute around 480 tons. The wholesale price of blueberries in the local market ranges from USD 7.74-11.61/kg (GEL 20-30/kg), but prices are expected to decrease in the upcoming weeks.
