Japan is becoming a promising market for Peruvian blueberries as more consumers seek healthy and functional foods. This aligns with Peru’s capacity to provide sustainable, high-quality produce, according to the Exporters’ Association (Adex).
In 2024, global blueberry imports reached $7.351 billion, up 30% from the previous year ($5.668 billion). The leading buyers were the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Spain, and Hong Kong, each with growth rates over 20%.
Japan ranked 26th, with a 6% increase. The country consumes blueberries in various forms—fresh, frozen, dehydrated, and processed into juices, jams, and supplements—and mainly sources them from the United States, Mexico, Chile, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, and China.
Peru has not yet exported blueberries to Japan due to the absence of a phytosanitary protocol, but the National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa) is negotiating with Japanese officials to gain access soon. As part of this effort, Adex organized a visit by Japanese embassy representatives to a farm in Ica, showcasing cultivation, research, and development, as well as a state-of-the-art packing and refrigeration facility.
The director of Adex, Patricio Luzanto, highlighted the growth of the national blueberry industry, driven by its quality, flavor, and nutritional value. “For years, Peru has been the leading global exporter, with an approximate 35% market share. Entering Japan will allow us to maintain this leadership and diversify our offerings in such an important and demanding market,” he said.
Currently, Peru cultivates around 65 blueberry varieties, with new genetically improved lines introduced each season. These advancements have resulted in longer post-harvest shelf life, better resistance during long-distance transport, and improved fruit size, color, and flavor, strengthening its position in the international market.
Source: agroperu.pe
AloJapan.com