An increase in plantings, more fields entering maturity and the entry of new grower companies have all contributed to an expected rise for Peruvian blueberry production this year, according to Sierra Exportadora.

The group's president Alfonso Velásquez said production of the super fruit would rise by more than double this year to hit 20,000 metric tons (MT).

Last year output stood at 9,600MT.

He said 2015 data showed there were 2,500 hectares dedicated to the crop in Peru, while by the end of 2016 this figure is expected to reach 3,200 hectares.

"You also have to take note of how this year the blueberry plants will be six or seven years which indicates they'll have greater production. Also, new companies - medium and large - are entering the blueberry crop," he said.

He said the fruit was responding increasingly well to diverse parts of the country, which now had a capacity to supply the international markets during periods of scarcity, mostly between September and November.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com