According to Peruvian agricultural media reports, the Peruvian Blueberry Producers and Exporters Association (Proarándanos) reported that although the 2024/2025 season is progressing slower than previous seasons, production has increased significantly, up 4.1% from the previous assessment in October. The report shows that so far, Peru's blueberry exports have increased by 61% compared with the same period last season. About 11% of all blueberries shipped are organic products, and organic blueberry exports are expected to reach about 40,000 tons by the end of the season. Previously, almost all organic blueberries were sold to the United States, and the European market accounted for about 10% this season. In terms of export destinations, the United States accounted for 53% of Peru's total blueberry exports this season. It was followed by Europe with 25%, China with 14%, the United Kingdom with 5%, and the other 10 destination countries/regions with 4%.
In terms of planting scale, there are now 20,195 hectares of blueberries certified by the Peruvian National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa), of which Ventura accounts for 26% and Biloxi accounts for 16%. The new large, crisp and sweet variety Sekoya POP has come from behind and accounts for 14% of the total planting scale.
Fertilizer type selection
Organic fertilizer: Organic fertilizer is widely used in Peruvian blueberry cultivation. The rich local agricultural resources provide raw materials for the production of organic fertilizer. For example, livestock manure (such as cow dung, sheep dung, etc.) is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other elements after composting, which can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility and water and fertilizer retention capacity.
Biological fertilizer: With the development of sustainable agriculture, biological fertilizers have gradually gained attention in Peruvian blueberry cultivation. Biological fertilizers containing beneficial microorganisms, such as rhizobium fertilizers and nitrogen-fixing bacterial fertilizers, can form a symbiotic relationship with blueberry roots, enhance the root system's ability to absorb nutrients, inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in the soil, and reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
Basis and regulation of fertilization
Soil testing: Peruvian blueberry growers will regularly test the soil and analyze the soil's pH, nutrient content and other indicators. According to the test results, the fertilization plan is adjusted in a targeted manner. If the soil is not acidic enough, sulfur powder and other acid-adjusting substances should be appropriately added; if a certain nutrient is lacking in the soil, the amount of fertilizer applied should be increased accordingly.
Plant growth status: Growers will also apply nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers according to the growth status of blueberry plants. If the leaves of the plant turn yellow and grow slowly, it may be due to insufficient nitrogen fertilizer, which needs to be supplemented in time; if the fruit is small and the quality is poor, the amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers may need to be increased. By observing the growth performance of the plant, the fertilization strategy can be flexibly adjusted to ensure that the nutrient needs of blueberry growth and fruiting are met. Growers will also apply some seaweed fertilizers according to different planting periods, such as Dora AlgaNeo and Dora Kelpreal, which are used in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Before transplanting the seedlings, the roots will be dipped in seaweed fertilizer dilution, which can form a protective film on the roots of the seedlings and improve the survival rate of transplanting. Root irrigation after transplanting can promote root growth and enhance absorption capacity. Apply seaweed fertilizer 1-2 weeks in advance during the flower bud differentiation period to provide nutrients for flower bud differentiation, increase the number and quality of flower buds, and improve flowering and fruit setting rates. During the young fruit expansion period, apply seaweed fertilizer to the soil in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to provide comprehensive nutrition for fruit expansion, promote fruit cell division and expansion, and improve fruit quality.
Global demand for blueberries is on the rise, and the export market for Peruvian blueberries continues to expand. As a result, Peru implemented a comprehensive blueberry industry strategy, such as investing in improving blueberry quality and expanding diversified markets, which has promoted the development of the blueberry industry. And it has also made significant progress in its organic blueberry cultivation, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to modern consumer preferences. This also requires Peruvian blueberry growers to have higher requirements in terms of logistics and transportation, variety innovation and development, planting technology improvement, and infrastructure construction.