W11 Blueberry Update: Peru's Blueberry Production Declined in 2023/24 Amid Climate Challenges, Ukraine Faces Surging Imported Blueberry Prices, and Imported Blueberry Prices in Poland Decrease

Published Mar 22, 2024

In W11 in the blueberry landscape, Peru's blueberry production has declined by 22% YoY in 2023/24 due to climate and agronomic challenges. The US remains the primary market, followed by Europe and China. Meanwhile, imported blueberry prices in Ukraine have surged due to crop failures and El Niño, while prices in Poland have dropped 17%. Lastly, the blueberry industry faces challenges from unfavorable weather conditions and protests by farmers throughout the EU.

Peru's Blueberry Production Drops 22% YoY in 2023/24 Season

As of March 10, 2024, Peru's blueberry production for the 2023/24 season has declined by 22% year-over-year (YoY) due to various challenges in climate and agronomic. The total output reached 221.18 thousand metric tons (mt), with 198.84 mt from conventional blueberries, showing a decrease of 21% YoY. Organic blueberry production reached 22.34 thousand mt, indicating a YoY decrease of 36%.

The United States (US) remains the primary market for Peruvian blueberries, receiving 123.23 thousand mt, accounting for 55% of total exports in the first ten weeks. Europe is the second-largest destination, with 49.87 thousand mt shipped, representing 23% of total exports. China accounts for 26.26 thousand mt or 12% of Peruvian blueberry exports. Furthermore, there has been an 18% YoY increase in exports to new markets compared to the previous season.

Surging Imported Blueberry Prices Amid Crop Failures and El Niño Impact

In Ukraine, imported blueberry prices have surged in 2024 compared to last year due to crop failures in Peru and the adverse effects of El Niño. The extreme water temperatures and atmospheric pressures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, lasting approximately six months, have further contributed to these high prices. Consequently, prices have also risen for other imported berries, including raspberries from Morocco and garden strawberries from Greece.

Price Drop of Imported Blueberries in Poland Due to Increased Supply from Spain

Since Jan-24, imported blueberry prices in Poland have been dropping, ranging from USD 8.05 to 13.58 per kilogram (PLN 32 to 54/kg), with variations based on the country of origin, packaging, and quality. On average, these prices are 17% lower than at the beginning of Mar-23. The decrease in prices is attributed to the massive blueberry harvest in Spain, which has resulted in an early start to the season. As a result, the supply of blueberries to the Polish market has surged, causing prices to decline in this industry.

According to price monitoring data from the Andalusian government, the average price for blueberries from a Spanish producer fell from USD 9.03/kg to 6.68/kg (EUR 8.30/kg to 6.14/kg), an average of 26% per year. However, the downward trend in blueberry prices in Spain ended during W11, with the average price offered to producers increasing from USD 6.12/kg to 6.68/kg (EUR 5.63/kg to 6.14/kg), an average of 9% more expensive. Unfavorable weather conditions and protests by farmers throughout the European Union (EU) may also affect import prices, particularly the closure of the French-Spanish border.