Thanks to their health benefits, production across multiple countries, a global supply available 52 weeks a year, continuous growth, and attractive margins, blueberries have become one of the most interesting crops for agricultural investors. These factors explain the growing interest of investment funds in entering the sector and expanding their presence in the industry.
But why are blueberries particularly attractive to investors? How do investment funds think, and what variables do they consider when evaluating the profitability of an agricultural business?
These are some of the questions that will be addressed by Daniel Serdio, Group M&A Senior Manager at Unifrutti (ADQ), during the 2nd International Specialization Course in Blueberry Production, organized by Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries).
A Key Event for the Blueberry Industry
The event will take place from March 17 to 19, 2026, in Lima, Peru, and will include two technical sessions at the Sheraton Lima Hotel and a Field Day at Qali Fruit, a subsidiary of Agrícola Cerro Prieto.
During his presentation, Serdio will analyze how investors view the blueberry business and the factors behind the growing interest in this crop.
He will also address the historical evolution of agriculture, from the feudal system and family farming to the current transformation in land ownership, which has progressively shifted into the hands of investment funds.
“After the 2008 subprime crisis, interest in investing in real assets such as land increased. Today we are seeing a structural change in the agricultural industry, where funds are playing an increasingly important role,” he noted.
In this context, he will explain what an investment fund is and how structures such as pension funds, insurance companies, and other institutional investors operate—each with different objectives, owners, and strategies.
The Producer’s Dilemma and the Role of Investment Funds
Another topic Serdio will address is the so-called “producer’s dilemma,” where many companies face the challenge of growing organically—by reinvesting profits—or turning to debt, which involves risks associated with financial leverage.
“In this scenario, it becomes very important for producers to understand how funds work, since in many cases they can become strategic partners for growth,” he emphasized.
He will also analyze the current blueberry market environment, the inflow of capital into the industry, and the key variables for competing successfully, such as the development of premium varieties, access to land with water availability, and price differentiation.
Finally, he will discuss opportunities for technical experts, highlighting the need to connect the world of capital with the productive sector.
“There are two worlds: the world of capital and the technical world. My goal is to show how they relate, what partnership opportunities exist for producers, the challenges they will face, and the opportunities that open up for growth,” he said.
Peru: The Epicenter of Blueberry Growth
Peru is now consolidating its position as the world’s leading blueberry producer and will host the international course. In this regard, Serdio highlighted the country’s role in the development of large-scale, long-term agricultural projects.
“Peru has done a great job with projects like Olmos, which bring water from the other side of the mountain range and make large-scale agriculture possible. Unlike other countries such as Mexico, China, or Chile, where access to land is more limited, in Peru you can develop projects of 500 or 1,000 hectares at once, with access to water and labor,” he explained.
The executive also highlighted Peru’s investment in logistics infrastructure. “Peru has invested heavily in ports, roads, and connectivity. Together with its favorable climate—which allows faster blueberry growth and improves profitability—it brings together all the conditions to be an ideal destination for agricultural investment. From an investor’s point of view, Peru is the place to be,” he said.
He also noted that the country still has significant growth potential. “There is still a large area planted with older varieties such as Biloxi and Ventura, which have lower yields and prices. These varieties will be replaced by new genetics, which will require investment—and that is where funds play a key role in supporting producers. Peru is still far from overexploiting the market and has a lot left to plant and replant,” he stated.
Finally, Serdio emphasized the importance of a global production strategy. “Peru covers about half the year, but then it is necessary to be present in other countries such as Mexico, Chile, and the United States to complete the production window. This is done with the U.S., European, and Asian consumers in mind, so the mix of countries is different,” he concluded.
Daniel Serdio will be one of the speakers at the 2nd International Specialization Course in Blueberry Production ¡Secure your place at one of the most important events in the sector!
To purchase your ticket, contact:
Agustina Martínez: +569 7934 1964
amartinez@casmblueberries.com
