Peru's Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) reported that the country is consolidating

its position as the world's leading exporter of blueberries, with record sales surpassing $2.27 billion by the end of 2024. The current campaign will continue through April 2025.

According to MIDAGRI, Peru exported 326,000 tons of blueberries by the end of 2024, marking a 57% increase compared to 2023.

More than 11% of exports were organic, targeting an essential segment of the international market.

Although Peru strengthened its role as the top blueberry exporter in 2024, shipments to some markets declined in 2023. Countries such as Mexico and Colombia faced similar trends, reducing overall supply and driving up international prices. This contributed to a 23% increase in the value of Peruvian blueberry exports compared to 2022.

Quantity and quality of blueberries

If climatic disruptions such as El Niño or La Niña—marked by high temperatures, heavy rains, or water shortages—do not impact crops, Peruvian blueberry exports could exceed 350,000 tons this year.

In 2024, the United States remained the top destination for Peruvian blueberries, accounting for 55% of total shipments, followed by the Netherlands (21%) and Hong Kong (9%). These three markets together represented 85% of total exports.

Additionally, exports to India, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are expected to grow, with China also showing substantial increases in demand.

Blueberry prices

Average blueberry prices climbed from $4.60/kg in 2022 to over $8.50/kg in the second half of 2023, reaching $8.90/kg in January 2024. Prices remained at an average of $8.50/kg by the end of the year.

Photo credits: MIDAGRI