W4 Blueberry Update: China Leads Global Blueberry Industry, Turkey Begins Ultra-Early Harvest, and Peruvian Exports Decline by 27% YoY in Challenging Season

China's Pinnacle Position in the Global Blueberry Industry

China stands as the global epicenter of the blueberry industry, producing 525.31 thousand metric tons (mt) on 77.64 thousand hectares (ha) in 2022. Yunnan province leads production, with key varieties including L25, F6, Duke, and Draper. Yunnan tripled its area in the last five years, reaching 9.3 thousand ha. Production systems vary, encompassing hydroponics, high tunnels, and open fields. According to 2022 data, Chinese consumption of blueberries per capita is only 0.26 kg. Average prices range from USD 15 to 22 per kilogram (kg).

Turkey Starts Ultra-Early Blueberry Harvest

Turkey's blueberry harvest kicks off with the ultra-early KeplerBlue variety, thriving in tunnels or greenhouses. Notably, milder winter conditions led to early fruit formation and increased yield. A Turkish blueberry producer, Qualitas Berry, foresees a surge in exports to Europe, Russia, and the Far and Middle East, attributing the growth to favorable weather conditions.

Peruvian Blueberry Exports Drop by 27% in Challenging 2023/24 Season

Peruvian blueberry exports faced a significant 27% year-on-year (YoY) decline, reaching 224 thousand metric tons (mt) in the 2023/24 season, down from over 300 thousand mt in 2023. Notably, the North American market experienced a 28% YoY decrease, with shipments to the United States (US), the largest market, declining by 24% YoY. The Netherlands and China also witnessed drops of 32% YoY and 24% YoY, respectively. Camposol remained the top exporter with a 16% share, while Hortifrut experienced a decrease of 54% and Agrovisión Perú a decrease of 39% YoY. Unusual export sources, such as Jorge Chávez Airport and Pisco Port, showed increases of 188% and 57% YoY, while major ports Callao and Paita reported declines of 24% and 34% YoY.