ByBlue: driving sustainable blueberry cultivation in Peru

Project summary

Demand for blueberries continues to grow, especially in Europe and Asia. However, there is a recurring annual supply shortage from September to December, when the harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere ends and supply from the Southern Hemisphere has yet to start. ByBlue’s new production site in Peru is specifically designed to fill this gap. 

The Ica Valley offers a unique, greenhouse-like microclimate that enables a long harvest season from August to December, ideal for supplying the European market during this period. 

To scale operations and meet export ambitions, ByBlue needed significant investment in infrastructure and technology. The challenge was to expand sustainably while maintaining high standards of quality and environmental responsibility. 

Invest International provided a €3.5 million financing package, enabling ByBlue to: 

• Implement state-of-the-art irrigation systems. 

• Improve soil management and biodiversity. 

• Adopt eco-friendly farming practices. 

This strategic support accelerated ByBlue’s growth and strengthened its ability to export to Europe and beyond. The knowledge gained from cultivating new blueberry varieties will be shared with other growers to promote more sustainable farming practices. 

The new farm, developed in collaboration with local partner Wellness Fruit, will initially cover 30 hectares. The project will create 20 full-time jobs and around 600 seasonal positions in a region where the blueberry sector is the largest agricultural employer, particularly for women.