W9 Blueberry Update: Peruvian Blueberry Production Set to Increase in 2024 Despite El Niño Impact, Spanish Blueberry Prices Declined by 4.8% WoW, and Tariff Reduction Spurs Growth in Chilean Blueberry Exports to India

Published 2024년 3월 7일

In W9 in the blueberry landscape, Peru's blueberry industry expects a rebound in 2024, with higher production volumes despite a decline due to El Niño. Chilean blueberry producers are adjusting to unusual climate conditions. The Indian Ministry of Finance has reduced tariffs on blueberries, turkey meat, and cotton, facilitating their entry into India. Georgia's blueberry exports surged by 500% YoY in 2023, positioning it as a top importer. Lastly, Spanish blueberry prices dropped by 4.8% WoW, while raspberries showed stability in production and pricing.

Peruvian Blueberry Production Expected to Increase in 2024

Peru's blueberry industry is expected to recover in 2024 despite a decline in production due to El Niño's impact on the country's most commonly cultivated varieties. However, 2024 is forecasted to yield higher volumes than the previous season, although the exact increase is yet to be determined. Blueberry prices are expected to decrease in 2024 due to a supply surplus caused by the El Niño phenomenon and market demand. To prevent oversupply, companies should manage volume allocation and promotional timing. The northern regions of Peru, particularly between La Libertad and Lambayeque, were most affected by El Niño, resulting in decreased crop productivity. Southern regions did not experience significant disruptions, and companies are implementing more measures to adapt to the upcoming season.

Tariff Reduction Increased Chilean Blueberry Exports to India

Chilean blueberry producers and exporters have received positive news from the Indian Ministry of Finance, reducing tariffs on blueberries, turkey meat, and cotton. The standard tariff rate on fresh, frozen, and dried blueberries and cranberries has been reduced to 10% from 30%. The Chilean Blueberry Fruit Committee believes this reduction will facilitate the entry of more Chilean blueberries into India. The tariff reduction also allows for greater diversification of destinations for Chilean blueberries. Chile exported nearly 30 thousand tons of fresh fruits to India in the 2022/23 season, with blueberries ranking fifth as the main Chilean fresh fruits sent to the Indian market.

Georgia's Blueberry Exports Surged by 500% in 2023

The Agency for Competition and Consumer Rights Protection in Georgia initiated monitoring of the blueberry market in Jun-23. From 2020 to 2023, approximately 50 companies exported Georgian blueberries, with 90% of the exports directed to Russia. In 2023, blueberry exports surged by 500% year-on-year (YoY), totaling 3.4 thousand tons. The total export value of blueberries also increased significantly, reaching USD 53.9 million in 2023, a 475% YoY rise.

Spanish Blueberry Prices Fall 4.8% WoW in W9

According to the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA) Prices and Markets Observatory data, Spanish blueberry prices declined by 4.8% week-on-week (WoW) during W9, making the start of their campaign challenging. On the other hand, raspberries are showing stability in production and pricing, maintaining levels similar to 2023's, with only a slight 0.4% decrease in price in the second week of Feb-24.