Star Cool CA+ powers the fortunes of Peruvian blueberry producers

Since launching our Star Cool CA+ services from Peru in 2018/19, we have seen double-digit growth in shipments during the harvest and shipping season. This lasts from July to April each year, with peak activity between September and November. The results are clear evidence of the success of this advanced reefer technology. 

Explosive growth
As recently as 2012/13, Peru was a distant sixth on the list of global exporters, almost 1,000 tonnes behind fifth-placed New Zealand. Increases over the next five years saw strong progression and, by the 2016/17 season, Peru was second only to Chile. 

In 2018/19, the same year Star Cool CA+ was introduced, shipment volumes jumped by around 65% in a single year. According to current estimates, Peru is set to overtake Chile as the world’s largest exporter of blueberries next season. 

Part of the reason for this is exponential growth in the amount of land under cultivation. Today, around 8,000 hectares of Peruvian soil are dedicated to blueberry production. By 2021, that figure will be 12,000. Peru’s main markets are the US (55%) and Europe (35%). At present, Asia accounts for just 10% of total exports but that proportion is expected to rise. 

Controlled atmosphere holds the key
Getting this delicate super-food to distant markets relies heavily on Star Cool CA+. Only since the introduction of highly efficient controlled atmosphere reefer technology has it been possible to cost-effectively transport these valuable cargos over such long distances. 

‘’From the day we first introduced our Star Cool CA+ services in 2018/19, we exceeded 500 shipments in no time at all and expect to have completed over 1,000 shipments by the end of the season in January. Just one more example of how MCI reefer technology is enabling producers to supply ever more distant global markets – increasing consumer choice while adding valuable revenues to their domestic economies.’’

- Benjamin Vicuna, CA operations manager