Peru exported 217,000 tonnes of blueberries to 33 markets as of the 46th week, according to data released by the Peruvian Blueberry Producers and Exporters Association (Proarándanos).

Peru's blueberry exports were up 28% from the same period last year, with shipments to the U.S. up 52%, Europe up 31%, China up 14% and other destinations up 2%. Despite a sharp rise in exports, the average price of Peruvian blueberries has fallen.

The head of Proarándanos says rising production costs and the Russia-Ukraine conflict are driving down profits for Peruvian blueberry growers. On the one hand, blueberry production costs have increased and shipping prices remained high, while the price of Peruvian blueberries has fallen. Peruvian blueberries averaged $5.47 / kg FOB this season, down from $5.85 / kg last season. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also hurt sales in Europe.

The Peruvian blueberry export market is more diverse this year than in previous years. In addition to the three major markets of the United States, Europe and China, it also exports to Brazil and Central American countries, the Middle East and other Asian countries and regions, including India, Malaysia, Singapore and China's Taiwan province.

There are currently 18, 000 hectares of blueberries planted in Peru, with 65 different varieties. In recent years, Peru has paid great attention to the diversity of blueberry varieties. Before 2016, Biloxi alone accounted for 25 percent of Peru's total blueberry area. Now more new varieties are replacing the old ones. Many growers have switched to new varieties with higher yields, and Peruvian blueberry production is expected to grow rapidly over the next four to five years.