In W36 in the blueberry landscape, the global blueberry industry, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, has experienced significant growth, with countries like Chile, Argentina, Peru, and South Africa becoming major players in blueberry cultivation and trade. However, climate change has brought unpredictability, causing extreme weather events in traditionally ideal growing regions. The Northern Hemisphere has faced challenges, including water shortages and temperature fluctuations.
Peru is dealing with the "Superniño" El Niño phenomenon, leading to higher temperatures, delayed fruit ripening, and reduced yields. Chile faces issues such as a mild winter and significant storm damage in key blueberry-producing regions. Despite these challenges, Peru, South Africa, and Chile are expanding their production areas, potentially compensating for lower yields. It is forecasted that, despite uncertainties, northern markets will still receive a sufficient supply of high-quality blueberries, building upon the previous season's success with 400 thousand tons of exports from the southern hemisphere.
During the 2023/24 blueberry campaign in Peru, from May 1 to August 28, exports totaled 27.63 million kilograms (kg), marking a significant decrease of 41% compared to the same period in the previous campaign when 47.14 million kg were shipped. This decline in export volume is due to reduced production, primarily caused by high temperatures in the country's northern coastal regions. In La Libertad, the leading blueberry-producing region, exports dropped by 40.04%, while Lambayeque, the second-largest producing region, saw a substantial contraction of 75.18%. However, Ica experienced a slight increase of 3.33%, and Lima recorded a notable rise of 35.55%. The ongoing impact of the El Niño Phenomenon, especially in northern regions, is affecting crop yields with the peak months of September and October ahead. It is forecasted that the current campaign will continue to experience reduced exports compared to the previous season.
Furthermore, the agricultural sector in Piura, Peru, is facing significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including the El Niño phenomenon. Resulting in anticipated decreases in the production of various agro-export crops such as blueberries, grapes, avocados, mangoes, and organic bananas. Business leaders in Piura reported concerns about substantial losses in the region's agriculture. The Chamber of Commerce and Production has noted that this situation represents the most severe crisis in the area in the past six years.
Lastly, the South African blueberry sector is actively pursuing access to the Chinese market after successfully gaining admission for fresh avocados and pears in a relatively short time frame. Blueberries, a relatively new crop for South African growers, are well-suited for cultivation in milder, sub-tropical regions along the country's coast. These regions have demonstrated excellent fruit quality, size, firmness, and high yields. Production in South Africa is concentrated in the Western Cape, accounting for approximately 60% of total output, followed by Limpopo and the North West. Other regions, including Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Mpumalanga, also contribute smaller volumes. Most of blueberry production occurs under protective measures, with about 25% in open fields, 61% under shade nets, and 14% in tunnels. Blueberries are considered a high-value crop, with a significant portion (over 70%) of the country's yield being exported, primarily to the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe. Some smaller volumes are towards markets in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. South Africa primarily cultivates Rabbiteye, Northern Highbush, and Southern Highbush blueberry varieties.