Peruvian blueberry exports surge, prices remain under pressure

In recent years, influenced by climate change factors, blueberries have experienced a sustained period of high prices. Now, the market is facing a new situation with a surge in export volumes and a decline in prices.

The main reason for the current price pullback is the significant increase in Peruvian blueberry supply, which has exceeded the absorption capacity of traditional markets. The 2025/26 Peruvian blueberry season starts in May with an unprecedentedly high yield. From May to August, Peruvian blueberry exports reached 71,957 tons, a 137% increase from the same period last year. However, export revenue only increased by 44%, reflecting a sharp drop in export unit prices.

In July, the export price of Peruvian blueberries was about $5.60 per kilogram, down 38% from the same period in 2024. In August, due to the blueberry supply far exceeding previous years' levels, the market could not fully absorb it, causing the export unit price to drop 41% year-on-year to $5.95 per kilogram.

In addition to the increase in Peruvian blueberry supply, competition from countries such as Mexico, Morocco, and South Africa is also intensifying. These countries are also seeking to expand their share in Peru's main overseas markets, putting additional pressure on international prices.

Peru's overseas blueberry markets are still concentrated in traditional markets such as the United States and Europe, but these regions are showing signs of saturation. Although demand for blueberries is still growing, the growth rate is far below the growth rate of Peruvian supply. This imbalance has significantly reduced the profit margins of producers and exporters, possibly signaling the beginning of a low-profit, high-competition cycle.

Despite the impressive export volume, the profitability of blueberries continues to be under pressure. This trend was previously seen in the avocado industry and is now repeating in the blueberry sector. Logistics bottlenecks, especially congestion at the port of Callao, further affect transportation timeliness and fruit quality.

Around the 42nd week, the peak period of the production season, the situation is expected to be even more severe. During that week, shipments usually exceed 20,000 tons, which will not only test the absorption capacity of the international market but also challenge logistics services to ensure efficient distribution.

Traditionally, July and August see seasonal price increases, but this is not the case in the current production season, which has raised market concerns. By the end of 2025, Peruvian blueberry exports are expected to exceed 400,000 tons, an increase of about 25%, but the growth in export revenue is expected to be only 8%-13%. This is due to the dual effects of oversupply and falling prices, which limit the overall industry's revenue growth.

In this context, market diversification and product differentiation have become core strategies for maintaining Peru's global leadership in the blueberry industry. The demand for large-diameter and high-end blueberries in Asia, especially in China, makes Asia the most promising market. At the same time, variety innovation and structural upgrades are key measures to resist price pressure. By cultivating varieties with better flavor, higher hardness, and longer shelf life, producers can enter high-value niche markets.

Currently, the challenges faced by Peruvian production and sales enterprises have shifted from expanding production to optimizing sales. It is necessary to find a balance between scale and value, transforming quantity growth into a long-term, sustainable profit model.