Peru expands blueberry exports as Serbia and Portugal exit season
Serbia and Portugal have nearly finished their blueberry export seasons, while Peru has begun its first large-scale commercial blueberry harvest, increasing competition for EU import markets.
Serbia and Portugal are concluding their blueberry export seasons, reducing their presence on the European market in early July 2026. Romania remains an active supplier, but its production has been affected by high temperatures, potentially limiting export volumes. This shift in supply may impact procurement strategies and price dynamics for EU importers, including Poland.
Peru has commenced its first large-scale commercial blueberry harvest at the Piscu farm in Pisco province, with the season expected to run from June through late December. The first harvest includes premium varieties such as Apex and MegaEarly, with over 60% of fruit measuring at least 18mm in diameter and yields exceeding 20 metric tons per hectare. These varieties are positioned to compete directly with established early-season offerings on the European market due to their size and shelf-life.
Zimbabwe's blueberry sector is expanding, with trial airfreight shipments of premium large berries (18mm and above) recently sent to China. Although initial volumes target Asian markets, Zimbabwean growers continue to invest in new plantings and modern varieties, aiming for broader export opportunities, including the EU. Zimbabwe's timing allows it to supply multiple global markets without direct overlap with South Africa's peak or Peru’s main export window.
Export prices for blueberries in Poland at the start of the 2026 season were reported at over 20 PLN/kg (€4.6/kg), with expectations of a decrease to 10–12 PLN/kg (€2.3–2.8/kg) at peak supply. These price trends are influenced by the availability and timing of imports from other European and overseas suppliers.
Peruvian blueberries harvested in late June are being airfreighted primarily to Asian and US markets, but the extended harvest window and large-scale production capacity are expected to increase Peru's shipments to Europe in the coming months, intensifying competition for EU importers.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker