Peruvian blueberries generated more than 120.000 direct jobs

Lima, November 29^th 2021 – As the 2021-2022 blueberry season draws to a close, the Proarándanos trade association released information related to it.
On the one hand, regarding the generation of employment in the current campaign, Luis Miguel Vegas, General Manager of the guild, reported that the Peruvian blueberry has generated a record number of more than 120 thousand direct jobs, of which 52% have been occupied by women.
This decentralized development has occurred thanks to the production of blueberries in regions such as Ancash, Cajamarca, Ica, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Moquegua and Piura, and has also been accompanied by investments in infrastructure and social programs to improve the levels of education, health and welfare of the communities located in the areas of influence of the blueberry farming operations.
On the other hand, the exportable supply has been a relevant factor in the increase of Peruvian exports. In 2016, only around 13 blueberry varieties were harvested, while today, it is estimated that there are 60 different varieties grown in the national territory, thus expanding the menu of varieties that Peru has to offer to markets around the world.
Regarding the progress of the season, up to the end of November, 73 Peruvian companies have been exporting 175,574 tons of blueberries, representing a 36% growth compared to the 128,900 tons exported during the same period last season. Among Peru’s main markets, the United States accounted for 55% of exports, or 95,735 tons, up 46% over the previous year. Europe and China accounted for 51,634 and 23,612 tons, respectively, with growth of 11% and 75% in each of these markets.
To India, which recently opened its borders to the marketing of Peruvian blueberries, 26,372 kilograms have been shipped by air to date.