Peru's Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri) says blueberry exporters will be able to ship their fruit to China from November, marking a milestone for the rapidly growing industry. 

The organization said exports could begin as soon as the protocols are signed, which would likely take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) in mid-November.

A delegation from China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) is due to visit Peru in the coming days to conclude the pest risk analysis.

The protocols are expected to be finalized between AQSIQ and Peru's National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa) in October.

The agreements were made during a meeting on Tuesday between AQSIQ Vice Minister Mei Kebao and Senasa head Jorge Barrenechea.

Speaking to www.freshfruitportal.com at the Macfrut trade fair being held in Italy this week, a representative from Peru's Association of Agricultural Producer Unions (AGAP) said he was excited about the development.

"This is the news we in the blueberry industry have been waiting for. We have been working toward this for a long time and it is fantastic for the country," the group's president Ricardo Polis said.

"I have just come from Asia Fruit Logistica and the truth is that this is a spectacular market, and what it has in store not just for blueberries, but avocados and citrus too, is amazing."

Last year China gave the green light to Peruvian avocados and in 2014 the Asian country relaxed cold treatment requirements for a range of Peruvian citrus products.

Peru's blueberry production is expected to more than double this season year-on-year from 9,600 metric tons (MT) to 20,000MT.

According to Sierra Exportadora president Alfonso Velásquez, in 2015 there were 2,500 hectares dedicated to the crop in the country, and by the end of 2016 this figure is expected to reach 3,200 hectares.

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