In W44 in the blueberry landscape, in Aug-23, Peru's domestic blueberry production contracted by 52%, reaching 20.13 thousand tons compared to the same period in 2022. The reduction was due to adverse weather conditions affecting harvest areas on the north coast. The National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) reported a significant decline in blueberry production for the international market and agribusiness, particularly in major producing regions such as Piura with a 79.7% year-on-year (YoY) decrease, Lambayeque with a 78.5% drop, and La Libertad with 50.1% drop. However, some regions experienced production increases during the same period, including Moquegua's 22.9% increase and Ica's 4.2%.
In collaboration with local farmers, the University of Antofagasta's Bioinnovation Center has successfully initiated a blueberry cultivation project in the arid Antofagasta Region in Chile. The project, stemming from their impactful work on bioalgae's effects on desert agriculture, aims to diversify regional productivity through innovative blueberry cultivation. Financed by the Agricultural Innovation Fund (FIA), the initiative has planted 420 Emerald-variety blueberry plants in Toconao and 120 in the Center for Bioinnovation Antofagasta (CBIA) facilities in the regional capital. The project addresses unique challenges such as climate, high radiation, minimal rainfall, and specific soil requirements. With goals of familiarizing local farmers with blueberry cultivation practices and facilitating technological transfer, the initiative contributes to the region's sustainable agricultural development.
Blueberry prices in Poland have experienced a significant increase in 2023, attributed to a lower domestic harvest and reduced import supplies from South America. Domestic blueberries are priced between USD 11.60 to 14.99 per kilogram (PLN 48 to 62/kg), an average 83% increase compared to the end of the previous 2022/23 season. Peruvian blueberries stood at USD 16.39 to 17.83/kg (PLN 68 to 74/kg), representing a twofold average increase compared to early Nov-23.
Lastly, New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is considering strengthening import requirements for frozen berries, proposing changes from "increased regulatory interest" to "high regulatory interest." The new rules would cover frozen berries imported from any country, including mixed frozen food with berries. Fruits like blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, currants, raspberry, and strawberry are included. The proposed changes follow findings from studies highlighting microbiological food safety risks associated with frozen berries, with recent hepatitis A outbreaks linked to imported frozen berries further reinforcing the need for stricter controls. The new risk management approach emphasizes ensuring that ready-to-eat frozen berries are sourced from overseas manufacturers with robust food safety management systems, introducing third-party certificates to meet clearance requirements.