US imports of Peruvian blueberries see 80 percent increase

As if global market domination wasn't enough, Peruvian blueberries are taking a bigger bite out of the United States market. Imports jumped 80 percent in the first seven months of 2026 as the country’s total blueberry export value surged 65 percent to $620 million. 

Peru’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) noted that the export expansion reflected both higher shipment volumes and a higher average unit value.

Image by Joanna Kosinska via Unsplash.

The South American powerhouse exported 84,800 tons of fresh blueberries during the period, up 45 percent from 58,500 tons a year earlier, according to figures cited by MIDAGRI. The entity said the growth came despite high temperatures associated with the El Niño climate phenomenon.

The US, the Netherlands, and China remained Peru’s three largest blueberry markets, and according to the release, the country ended 2025 as the world's leading producer and exporter of fresh blueberries, surpassing Chile and Spain.

Blueberry exports exceeded $2.457 billion last year, with shipments totaling 373,514 tons, up 15 percent year on year.

Peruvian blueberries see record growth in North America and Europe

The US led Peru’s blueberry export markets with $347.6 million in purchases, accounting for 56 percent of the total value.

The Netherlands followed with $104.9 million, representing 17 percent of the total, while China accounted for $36 million, or six percent. Together, the three markets represented about 79 percent of Peru’s blueberry exports.

Image by Pesce Huang via Unsplash.

Blueberries rank among Peru’s leading nontraditional agricultural exports, alongside avocados, fresh grapes, fresh mangos, raw cocoa beans, and fresh asparagus.

Peru’s blueberry industry covers 71,969 acres, with La Libertad accounting for 31,842 acres, Lambayeque for 18,581 acres, and Ica for 10,375 acres. Together, the three regions represent 84 percent of the country’s blueberry acreage.

Northern Peru continues to account for most of the planted area, while Ica has recorded the fastest expansion in new plantings, according to MIDAGRI.

The ministry’s data through July showed blueberry production in La Libertad increased 106 percent, attributed to a shift toward higher-yielding varieties and favorable weather conditions. In Ica, production also increased, driven by expanded harvested acreage and strong market demand.

*Main image by Mae Mu via Unsplash. 

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