Peru’s Blueberry Exports Soar, Reaching Record Highs in 2025

Peru continues to dominate the global blueberry market, achieving a record-breaking US$2.457 billion in exports in 2025, an 8.2% increase from the previous year according to the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri). The country remains the world’s leading producer and exporter of fresh blueberries.

Production Reaches Recent Heights

Forecasts indicate a continued upward trend, with Peruvian blueberry production expected to reach a record 355,000 metric tons (MT) in the 2025/26 marketing year (May 2025 to April 2026). Exports are projected to reach 335,000 MT according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. This represents a significant recovery in production compared to the previous year.

Air Freight Challenges and Solutions

During the peak harvest season, from August to November, Peru’s blueberry exports often strain air freight capacity, particularly on the Lima to New York route. In 2025, to meet demand from US supermarkets and distributors—who require delivery within 24 to 36 hours of harvest—Air Charter Service (ACS) arranged the urgent transportation of 440 tons of blueberries from Peru to New York over a two-week period.

This required the use of four Boeing B747-400F freighter aircraft, each carrying approximately 110 tons of blueberries per rotation as reported by AJOT. The operation highlights the necessitate for dedicated freighter aircraft to maintain time-sensitive supply chains during peak harvest volumes.

Growing Industry, Concentrated Production

Blueberry fields in Peru are primarily located along the desert coast, benefiting from a unique combination of the Humboldt Current and the Andes Mountains, which create greenhouse-like conditions conducive to high yields and year-round production as noted in a report by the Pulitzer Center. This allows Peruvian producers to sell blueberries when competitors cannot, securing higher prices on the global market.

Economic Success and Social Concerns

While Peru’s blueberry industry has experienced remarkable growth, concerns remain regarding the working conditions of local harvesters. Despite the industry’s success, living conditions for many agricultural workers have seen little improvement according to reporting from the Pulitzer Center.

Looking Ahead

Peru is poised to maintain its position as a leading global blueberry exporter. Continued investment in infrastructure, logistics, and sustainable labor practices will be crucial to ensuring the long-term success and equitable growth of this vital industry.