Blueberry exports have gained global prominence in recent years, driven by changes in food consumption and the demand for healthy, high-quality products. In this context, Peru has established itself as the world’s leading player, transforming once-arid regions into highly efficient production hubs.
This progress did not happen by chance. With investments in irrigation, technology, and logistics, the country has accelerated its agricultural export capacity, achieving significant results.
Blueberries, for example, went from being a non-existent crop before 2008 to one of the main products in the export basket, with exports exceeding US$2.2 billion between January and November 2025, according to the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation.
Throughout this article, you will learn why Peruvian blueberries have gained a foothold in international markets, how the country has structured its production chain, and what the strategic role of the cold chain is in this process.
Why are blueberry exports experiencing strong global growth?
The growth in blueberry exports is linked to consumers’ increasing appreciation for healthy, convenient, and nutritious foods.
This trend is driving the expansion of the global market for these types of products, which is expected to grow to US$ 697.1 billion between 2025 and 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%, according to Technavio (a Canadian market data company).
In this context, consumer markets such as Europe—a major destination for blueberry exports—are expected to account for over 32% of the sector’s growth, reinforcing the expansion potential for fruits like blueberries in international trade.
Recognized as a “superfood,” the fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber (attributes that position it as a premium product in international retail). Furthermore, its versatility expands consumption possibilities, ranging from fresh consumption to applications in the food and beverage industry.
Another factor reinforcing this dynamism is the expansion of import markets. The United States, Europe, and China lead global consumption, but countries in Asia and the Middle East are also increasing their imports, which boosts competitiveness and demand for continuous supply.
In this context, producers capable of ensuring scale, consistency, and quality throughout the year gain a competitive advantage—exactly the scenario in which Peru stands out.
How did Peru become the world’s largest blueberry exporter?
Peru’s leadership in blueberry exports is linked to its strategic production capacity. Unlike other countries, Peru’s climate allows for harvesting the fruit during periods when the Northern Hemisphere faces low supply.
This factor creates a highly advantageous market window, allowing the country to supply international markets during periods of peak demand and lower competition.
Additionally, regions such as Ica, La Libertad, and Lambayeque have undergone a structural transformation, with investments in irrigation and agricultural technology that have enabled large-scale cultivation. The result has been rapid production expansion, coupled with high quality standards.
Another key advantage is the agro-export model adopted by the country, which prioritizes efficiency, traceability, and logistics integration. This allows large volumes to be processed and prepared for export in a short timeframe, maintaining competitiveness in the international market.
All these factors have established Peru as the world’s largest blueberry exporter.
See also: Emergent Cold LatAm acquires Frialsa Peru
Strategic regions: where are blueberries produced and prepared for export?
The Ica region epitomizes the country’s agricultural transformation. According to a BBC report, the area was a desert until the 1990s, but today it is home to large irrigated plantations with high levels of productivity.
Similarly, La Libertad has established itself as one of the main blueberry production hubs, with a strong presence of export companies and infrastructure dedicated to fruit processing. Lambayeque is also gaining prominence, expanding the country’s production capacity.
This production structure is directly linked to an efficient logistics network. The ports of Callao and Paita play a key role as the main export hubs, connecting Peru to international markets via strategic maritime routes.
According to Peru’s Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation, the country remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of the fruit, with exports exceeding US$2.216 billion between January and November 2025, representing 19.1% of non-traditional agricultural exports.
This leading role is the result of rapid growth: shipments jumped from 10,2 thousand tons in 2015 to 325,5 thousand tons in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 47%, keeping pace with the expansion of global demand.
Why is the cold chain critical for blueberry exports?
The quality of blueberries depends on strict temperature control after harvest. Unlike less sensitive products, blueberries are highly perishable and require specific conditions to preserve their characteristics.
Immediately after harvest, blueberries must undergo rapid cooling processes, known as pre-cooling, to lower the temperature and slow down spoilage. From that point on, the entire logistics chain must maintain controlled conditions of temperature and humidity
Any failure in this process can compromise the product’s texture, flavor, and shelf life, leading to losses and financial damage. Additionally, importing markets demand strict quality and food safety standards, making continuous monitoring even more necessary.
Another challenge is transit time. Since most exports are shipped by sea, ensuring temperature stability throughout the entire journey is essential for perishables to arrive in perfect condition at their final destination.
According to Cristian Cornejo, Commercial Director of Emergent Cold LatAm for Chile and Peru, efficient operations depend on the ability to build predictable, controlled, and scalable processes.
In this scenario, the cold chain ceases to be a competitive advantage and becomes a basic requirement for competing in the global market.
Learn about one of our success stories: Container Shortage: The Importance of a Reliable Supplier to Maintain the Cold Chain
The Role of Logistics in the Future of Blueberry Exports
The growth of blueberry exports in Peru demonstrates how the combination of efficient production and specialized logistics can transform a country into a global leader in just a few years.
With growing international demand and increasingly demanding markets, the trend is for the logistics chain to become even more strategic. Operational efficiency, temperature control, and scalability are key factors in sustaining this growth.
In this scenario, relying on partners specialized in the cold chain is no longer just an option but a necessity for companies seeking competitiveness and international expansion.
The Peruvian case is a clear example of how the integration of production and logistics can drive results and open new markets, establishing blueberries as one of today’s leading agricultural commodities.
Emergent Cold LatAm: Your Strategic Partner for Blueberry Exports
Our solutions are designed to preserve fruit quality from post-harvest through delivery to international markets, ensuring strict temperature control and minimizing losses.
With infrastructure located near Peru’s main production hubs and ports, combined with our cold chain expertise, we offer operational efficiency, agility, and reliability at every stage of the operation. This allows our clients to meet the demands of global markets with greater security and consistency.
More than just storage, we act as strategic partners, supporting companies in optimizing their logistics operations and gaining international competitiveness.
