First Peruvian blueberries exported to Canada

By Carol Neshevich

Peruvian grower-exporter Camposol has become the first company from Peru to ship blueberries to Canada. This follows the announcement earlier in September that Canada had officially opened its doors to Peruvian blueberry imports.

Lima, Peru-based Camposol is working with Vancouver-based Oppy (The Oppenheimer Group) as a marketing partner in this venture. According to Javier Morales, Camposol’s general manager for fruits and vegetables, both companies are excited about the opportunity this represents, not only for blueberry lovers in Canada, but also for Peru and its people.

“The future for blueberries in Peru is very promising,” says Morales. “We anticipate that by 2018, 3,000 acres will be in production. Camposol is prepared for this great challenge, which means an increase in job opportunities and a better quality of life for as many as 10,000 Peruvian people.”

The first berries were dispatched Sept. 22, and are now available to consumers in Western Canada.

“As one of Canada’s oldest companies, we appreciate the significance of historic moments like this one can have on growers, retailers, and families throughout the supply chain,” says John Anderson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Oppenheimer Group. “We are glad our partner Camposol was able to serve the market so readily with high-quality berries, and are looking forward to the successful future of this program.”