The superfood boom in Europe has triggered a massive expansion of avocado and blueberry industries in Chile and Peru. Though marketed as nutrient-rich, healthful fruits, their cultivation comes at a staggering cost to environment and people.
One kilo of avocados requires 1,000 liters of water, a major contributor to water scarcity in Chile, while Peruvian blueberries are grown on arid desert soil, consuming increasingly larger volumes of water. This environmentally destructive cultivation has led to a pitched battle between landowners and water activists, with Chile’s water legislation at stake. Follow journalist Matthias Ebert’s journey to Peru and Chile, delving deep into the superfood industry’s impact on the environment and human lives.
