DP World Launches First Blueberry Air Charter to the U.S.
DP World Peru has achieved a historic milestone in the agro-export sector by completing its first blueberry air charter flight from Callao to New York. This operation marks a significant step in enhancing the competitiveness of Peruvian fresh produce exports and opening new opportunities in air cargo logistics. Source: Reported by Gestion.pe.
Air Charter Details:
Season flights confirmed: 4 total.
1st and 2nd flights: Completed successfully.
3rd flight: Departed on September 28, 2025.
4th flight: Scheduled for October 5, 2025.
Cargo capacity: ~100 tons of fresh blueberries per flight.
Transit time: Only 8–9 hours to U.S. markets.
Benefit: Maintains fruit freshness and boosts exporter profitability.
Peru’s Agro-Exports Set to Break Records
The Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) expects the country’s agro-exports to reach $15 billion in 2025, setting a new national record.
Key growth drivers:
Grapes
Blueberries
Mangoes
Regional highlights: Strong production from northern regions such as:
Olmos
Lambayeque
Chao
Logistics Outlook
DP World Logistics: Reports a 20–30% increase in activity vs. 2024, as exporters adopt more integrated logistics solutions.
Port of Paita: Benefiting from new crop distribution schedules, which help reduce congestion during peak export months.
Why Air Cargo Matters for Peruvian Blueberries
The demand for fresh blueberries in the U.S. and Europe continues to grow and speed-to-market is crucial. Traditional sea freight routes can take weeks, while air freight reduces transit to less than a day, preserving quality and maximizing profit margins.
This first charter flight positions DP World Peru as a new player in the air freight logistics market, diversifying beyond its traditional strength in maritime operations. Major exporters like Agrovisión (with three charters confirmed) and Hortifrut (with one charter) are already relying on the service.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, DP World aims to expand its air cargo services further in 2026, securing more clients and increasing the number of charter flights. With no immediate climate risks such as El Niño on the horizon, expectations remain highly positive for continued growth in grape and blueberry exports.
At the recent Expoalimentaria 2025, DP World emphasized that this service is not just about logistics — it’s about redefining supply chains for Peruvian agriculture and strengthening the country’s position as a global leader in blueberry exports.
