Peru witnesses a 37.5% increase in blueberry production in the first quarter of 2023

Despite inclement weather characterized by torrential rains and seasonal flooding, Peru's agricultural sector made substantial progress during the first quarter of 2023 (January-March). According to a report issued by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, the rebound in blueberry production played a fundamental role in driving growth, registering a notable increase of 37.5% during the corresponding period of 2022. The increase in production of blueberries can be attributed to the larger cultivated area in the Lambayeque, Ica and La Libertad regions. Blueberries, being the main exported agricultural product, accumulated sales of more than US$ 1,364 million at the end of 2022. The United States remains the main market for Peruvian blueberries, with more than 152,000 tons exported in the 2022-23 season (around 53% of the total volume exported). Due to higher incoming volumes from Peru, prices this season were on average lower than last season, ranging from $13.93 per ...