Peruvian Blueberries Enter Egyptian Market （August 18）

Peruvian Blueberries Approved for Entry into Egyptian Market, Boosting Agricultural Export Expansion

The Peruvian government recently announced that Peruvian blueberries have successfully gained access to the Egyptian market and will export fresh blueberries there, creating more business opportunities for thousands of producers.

According to a report by Peru's newspaper El Peruano on the 13th, thanks to Egypt — a brand-new market with approximately 120 million potential consumers — Peruvian blueberries have further expanded their international footprint, reaching 76 export destinations to date. This not only strengthens the industry's competitiveness but also consolidates Peru's position as a major global blueberry supplier.

Marco Vinelli, Minister of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), emphasized: "The opening of the Egyptian market to Peruvian blueberries is excellent news for Peruvian agriculture. This achievement reflects the government's commitment, supported by the technical work of the National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa), to continue opening new markets that directly benefit producers."

Vilma Gutarra, head of Senasa, stated that Egypt has joined the ranks of export destinations that trust the phytosanitary safety of Peruvian products, which not only enhances market confidence but also brings new opportunities for Peruvian producers. This market access is the result of bilateral technical consultations lasting more than a year, led by Senasa, during which Peru reached an agreement with Egypt's Central Administration of Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) on import phytosanitary requirements.

Over the past decade, the Peruvian blueberry production chain has achieved significant growth. Cultivated area expanded from approximately 2,000 hectares in 2016 to over 20,000 hectares certified for export last year. The main producing regions include La Libertad (accounting for 53% of total exports), Lambayeque (22%), and Ica (10%), while Lima, Ancash, and Piura together account for the remaining 15%, fully reflecting the industry's positive impact on regional economic development and employment.

Last year, fresh blueberries became the leading product among Peru's agricultural exports, with exports exceeding 370,000 tons to 50 international markets, consolidating the country's global trade position. Although export destinations continue to diversify, demand remains concentrated in major international consumer hubs. The United States is the primary export market for Peruvian blueberries, followed by the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong (China), and the United Kingdom. Imports from these five destinations combined account for over 90% of Peru's total blueberry exports.