Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh blueberry is a major export-oriented fruit crop in Peru, supplying Northern Hemisphere markets with counter-season volume. Export availability is close to year-round (market year commonly tracked May–April), with export seasonality often peaking in October–November in recent seasons. Production for export is concentrated along Peru’s coastal irrigated production zones, particularly in the northern regions (e.g., La Libertad and Lambayeque) supported by large-scale agro-export operations. The varietal mix has shifted toward newer genetics; Ventura remains a leading planted variety alongside Biloxi and Sekoya Pop. Market access relies on compliance with SENASA export phytosanitary certification and destination-country protocols, as well as strict cold-chain handling.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter
Domestic RoleExport-oriented high-value horticultural crop with growing domestic retail presence
Market GrowthMixed (recent seasons and near-term outlook)rapid long-term expansion with weather-driven volatility in specific seasons
SeasonalityNear year-round harvest and exports (often tracked May–April), with volume typically peaking in October–November in some seasons.
Specification
Primary VarietyVentura
Secondary Variety- Biloxi
- Sekoya Pop
- Rocío
- Emerald
- Mágica
Physical Attributes- Intact, sound berries free from decay
- Clean and practically free of visible foreign matter
- Firmness suitable for long-distance shipping
- Uniform ripeness within pack and class
Compositional Metrics- Soluble solids and titratable acidity may be used as maturity/quality considerations alongside external color
Grades- UNECE marketing classes: “Extra”, “Class I”, “Class II” (berry fruits standard)
Packaging- Retail clamshells and top-seal punnets commonly used (e.g., 125 g, 150 g, 200 g, 11 oz, pint/flat pint, 18 oz)
- Bulk formats are also used (e.g., 2.5 kg, 3.0 kg, 3.4 kg)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Hand harvest → packhouse receiving → sorting/grading → retail pack (clamshell/top-seal) → rapid cooling and cold storage → refrigerated export transport → destination inspection and importer distribution
Temperature- Optimum storage temperature for blueberry is approximately 0±0.5°C
- High relative humidity (about 90–95%) is recommended to reduce dehydration
Shelf Life- Under optimum temperature conditions, blueberry storage life is commonly cited as about 1–2 weeks; temperature breaks increase decay and softening risk.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Climate HighAbnormally warm conditions and extreme weather linked to El Niño/related anomalies can severely reduce flowering and exportable volumes in Peru’s main northern production regions, disrupting supply programs and contract fulfillment.Diversify sourcing across Peruvian regions and varietal profiles; contract flexible volumes with multiple certified farms/packhouses; use conservative volume commitments early in the season when abnormal weather signals are present.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-compliance with SENASA certification steps, destination-market protocols, or facility/production-site eligibility requirements can trigger shipment delays, additional inspection, or rejection.Pre-verify destination protocol applicability, ensure farm/packhouse listing where required, and run a pre-shipment document and labeling conformity checklist aligned to importer requirements.
Logistics MediumCold-chain breaks during pre-cooling, storage, or reefer transport materially increase decay and softness risk for fresh blueberries, leading to claims, rejections, or price discounts.Implement strict time-to-cool KPIs, continuous temperature logging from packhouse to destination, and contingency routing for port/reefer disruptions.
Sustainability- Water stewardship and irrigation efficiency in coastal production zones (drip irrigation and large irrigation projects are central to export production)
- Plastic packaging footprint (high use of clamshells/top-seal punnets in export channels)
Labor & Social- High seasonal labor dependence due to exclusively hand-picked harvest practices; worker welfare, pay practices, and safe working conditions are material buyer-audit themes
- Women represent a significant share of employment reported for the blueberry industry; social compliance and ethical-audit expectations are therefore prominent
Standards- SMETA
- BRCGS
- Rainforest Alliance
- Fair For Life
FAQ
When is Peru’s peak season for exporting fresh blueberries?Peru ships blueberries for much of the year (often tracked on a May–April marketing year basis). USDA FAS reports that in MY 2024/25 the export seasonality peaked between October and November.
What documents are commonly required to export fresh blueberries from Peru?A SENASA phytosanitary certificate is required for exporting regulated plant products. SUNAT indicates export declarations are supported by documents such as the transport document and commercial invoice, and a certificate of origin may be needed when claiming preferential tariffs under trade agreements (e.g., the U.S.–Peru Trade Promotion Agreement).
Which regions and varieties are most associated with Peru’s blueberry export supply?USDA FAS reports that most export production is concentrated in northern coastal regions such as La Libertad and Lambayeque (with additional northern areas like Ancash and Piura), and that leading planted/export varieties include Ventura, Biloxi, and Sekoya Pop (with Rocío also significant).