Shipments growing fast from a low base, with Camposol leading the charge
Peruvian pitahayas are beginning to make their mark on the international market, new data reveals. According to FreshFruit Peru, shipments reached 388 tonnes worth US$1.1mn in January and February of this year, a seven-fold increase in volume and six-fold hike in value compared to the same period of 2024.
Peru leads the way in pioneering exports of the fruit, accounting for 58 per cent of total shipments. It is followed by Fruitxchange with 12 per cent and Dragon Fruit Export with 10 per cent.
All shipments were air flown from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao to a total of 15 markets worldwide. Spain took the biggest share with 59 per cent of exports, followed by the UK with 19 per cent and the Netherlands with 13 per cent.
Peru produces two main varieties of pitahaya, the most common being red pitahaya which has red flesh and pink skin and is known for its sweet and slightly acidic taste and smooth and juicy texture.
The second is yellow pitahaya, with white flesh and yellow skin. It has a milder flavour than red pitahaya, along with a delicate floral aroma.
