Peru’s blueberry market access to Israel getting one step closer

Exports of blueberries from Peru to Israel (as a new market) are getting one step closer. The all-important phytosanitary review process to mitigate the risk of pests is underway. This is after Peru sent a proposal of mitigation measures to Israeli authorities who are currently reviewing the submitted documents.

The new Israel market access being worked on will likely come after the current Peruvian 2021/2022 blueberry season, which runs from June to May, and is about to end next month.

According to SENASA, the National Agricultural Health Service of Peru, they responded to Israel’s request by sending a proposal of mitigation measures for review. This includes the phytosanitary certification processes in Peru to show that the requirements established by the Israeli plant health authority are met.

“The Phytosanitary authorities of both countries are in process to review and approve phytosanitary measures to avoid the risk of pests. SENASA had sent a proposal of mitigation measures and currently is waiting for the response of Israel,” explained Marilu Cordova Lopez, export specialist at SENASA.

The mitigation measure from Peru was sent after the Israeli Plant Protection and Inspection Service (PPIS) communicated to SENASA the phytosanitary requirements that will allow the export of Peruvian blueberries to this market.

Lopez indicated that Peru currently has, for the current season, 310 registered orchards of blueberries for export. In Peru there are 163 producers/growers of blueberry for export and 75 exporting companies. The production areas of blueberries in Peru are Ancash, Cajamarca, Ica, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Moquegua and Piura.

Peru has to date shipped 218 823 tons for US$1.307 million, that is 31% more in volume and 28% more in value, with the USA and the Netherlands as the two main destinations.