Peru secures Egyptian market access for blueberries, expanding reach to 76 global markets
The United States and Europe remain the primary buyers, while this new expansion offers access to millions of additional consumers in Egypt and beyond.
PERU – Peru has secured access to Egypt’s market for fresh blueberry exports, following more than a year of coordinated technical negotiations between SENASA and Egypt’s Central Plant Quarantine Authority.
With this new market access, Peruvian blueberries are now available in 76 international markets and are accessible to more than 120 million potential consumers in Egypt. Marco Vinelli, Minister for Agricultural Development and Irrigation, highlights that this market access results from technical efforts to open new markets for Peruvian agricultural exports.
Vilma Gutarra, head of SENASA, adds that Egypt’s approval is part of the growing list of destinations that recognise Peruvian products’ compliance with phytosanitary standards. Prolonged phytosanitary negotiations ensured that Peruvian produce meets strict international safety and quality standards, enabling access to new markets.
The sector has expanded significantly. In 2016, Peru had about 2,000 hectares of blueberries, which increased to over 20,000 hectares certified for export by 2025. In that year, fresh blueberry exports surpassed 370,000 tons, reaching 50 markets and establishing blueberries as Peru’s top agricultural export. This represents a tenfold increase in land cultivation over the last decade to meet rising global demand.
In addition, the rapid growth of Peru’s blueberry industry is driven by favourable growing conditions, investment in technology and irrigation, the development of new varieties with extended shelf life, strong government support for export promotion, and rising global demand for healthy, premium berries.
The United States is the main destination, followed by the Netherlands, China, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. These five markets account for more than 90% of national exports. The United States and Europe remain the primary buyers, while this new expansion offers access to millions of additional consumers in Egypt and beyond.
Moreover, international phytosanitary standards affect Peru’s agricultural exports by ensuring product safety and quality, building consumer confidence, enabling market access through compliance with importing-country requirements, and protecting domestic agriculture from pest introductions.
These strategic efforts aim to further diversify international trade and solidify Peru’s status as a premier global supplier. The expansion into Egypt demonstrates Peru’s commitment to broadening its export destinations and reducing dependence on traditional markets.
Finally, with 76 markets now open to Peruvian blueberries, the industry is well-positioned for continued growth and global leadership in the fresh berry trade.
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