In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by Daniel Bustamante, president of Proarándanos and chief commercial officer at Agricola Cerro Prieto S.A. (ACP); Luis Vegas, general manager at Proarándanos; and Ryan Lockman, vice president of sales and procurement at North Bay Produce, to talk about the start of the Peruvian blueberry season and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for growth in the country. 

“The growth that the Preruivan industry has experienced is very impressive … this growth started, basically, with the traditional varieties, and now it’s changing toward new genetics that make better [export] arrivals and that are more suitable for whatever the market is demanding.” - Daniel Bustamante

“There are many different options in the produce aisle these days … to be relevant, we have to be [in grocery stores] 52 weeks a year with supply, price and product.” - Ryan Lockman

Topics covered include: 

• The backgrounds of Bustamante, Vegas and Lockman, and what they do for ACP, Proarándanos and North Bay Produce, respectively. 
• The rapid growth of the blueberry industry in Peru, the arrival of better genetics and potential challenges of continued growth. 
• Comparisons between the avocado industry and blueberry industry.
• The importance of having a year-round crop and creating habitual customers. 

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Jason Smith in British Columbia and Luis Vegas in Peru. This was recorded on September 15, 2021.  

Marketing Boost

The foodservice sector is critical to promoting blueberry consumption. In this week’s marketing boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks talks about how getting blueberries on restaurant menus drives volume and so much more!  

Fall Event Registration

There’s still time to register to attend Innovate 2021: USHBC+NABC Tech Symposium and Fall Meetings, Sept. 27-Oct.1, virtually! The virtual attendance option includes the Tech Symposium, Tech Tours and a host of USHBC committee meetings. While the event is at capacity for in-person attendance, interested stakeholders can register to participate virtually via a la carte pricing, listed here.