Indian authorities have granted market access to Peruvian asparagus and avocados with immediate effect.
The decision was recently conveyed to the Peruvian Embassy in New Delhi while the Indian Ministry of Trade notified the World Trade Organisation, allowing trade to commence.
The green light comes as the two countries work to strengthen their trade relations following the recent conclusion of a recent Trade Preferences Agreement.
In the past 10 years, Peruvian asparagus exports to the global market increased substantially, rising from US$184m to US$480m last year with shipments to 54 different countries. Shipments of avocados have also made quantum leaps during this period, climbing from US$4.87m to US$161m.
The US market accounts for almost half of Peruvian asparagus exports, while Europe is also a leading destination, but the industry is keen to diversify its global presence and develop new markets.
With its population of around 1.3bn, access to India represents an exciting opportunity for Peruvian suppliers, although demand is likely to be confined to high-end niche sectors to begin with. Indeed, avocados and asparagus are hardly known in India, so a great deal of education work is likely to be required to develop the market. Nevertheless, the country has a very small but enthusiastic avocado industry that sees great potential to grow consumption.
Other key avocado exporting countries also appear to be eyeing the Indian market. Fellow South American nation Chile is negotiating access for its avocados while the New Zealand avocado industry is understood to be investigating opportunities there.
