Peruvian blueberry export volumes drop 7% as European market faces tighter supply

Peru, the world’s largest blueberry exporter, projects a 7% decrease in export volumes for the 2026/27 season due to high temperatures, impacting supply and prices in Europe.

Peruvian blueberry exports for the 2026/27 season are now forecast at 418,878 metric tons, a 7% reduction from initial estimates of 450,000 tons. The decrease is linked to high temperatures between April and July, which stunted floral development across major producing regions. Key growing areas such as Piura are facing flowering losses of up to 65%, while Chiclayo and Trujillo report losses of 53% and 35%, respectively. The sector expects tighter supply to sustain higher prices for a significant part of the season compared to initial forecasts. In the previous 2023/24 season, reduced Peruvian output led to a 36% increase in average export prices, reaching €7.9/kg ($3.74/lb) FOB, up from €4.5/kg ($2.15/lb), though such record highs are not anticipated this year. The United States will remain the top destination for Peruvian blueberries by value, but Europe continues to be an important market, especially early in the season. However, the European market’s limited absorption capacity and tendency to saturate quickly may restrict further price increases as supply tightens. Romania remains an active supplier to Europe, though its production has also been affected by high temperatures, reducing available volumes for export. Zimbabwe continues to expand blueberry production and is trialling exports to China, but volumes to Europe remain stable, with the country positioning itself as a flexible supplier during supply gaps from other origins. Peruvian industry sources highlight an ongoing shift to new, larger and higher-quality varieties, which is expected to support export competitiveness in the coming years. In Poland and other European markets, reduced Peruvian supply and higher prices may affect import costs and competition, especially during the late summer period when Peruvian fruit typically enters the market.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker