In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Luis Vegas of Proarandanos. Vegas shares the challenges and successes the blueberry industry has faced in Peru this past year, and his optimism for the bright future ahead.

“I would say this has been the most challenging season for Peru in blueberries. … So the margins of the business have been tightening and tightening, and this has been a really challenging season for many companies.” - Luis Vegas

“We need a 52-week a year supply, we need good quality, and also we need to promote consumption of blueberries worldwide.” - Luis Vegas

“We are lucky that we have a great product with these amazing benefits. So we need champions. And I think the USHBC has great tools to arm these champions to go and start creating awareness for blueberries.” - Luis Vegas

 Topics covered include:

• A review of Peru’s 2022 season.
• Specific challenges and success Peru has experienced in the past year.
• The collaboration between the USHBC and industry partners like Proarandanos to promote blueberry consumption globally.
• Optimism for the future of blueberries around the world.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. Today you’ll hear from Mario Ramirez in Mexico and Luis Vegas in Peru. This was recorded on January 11, 2023.