Exports of Peruvian limes and their derivatives rose by 10 per cent in value last year to some US$17.3m, up from US$15.7m in 2008, according to new figures released by the Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex).
Within the category, sales of Peruvian essential lime oil increased to US$7.8m, and represented 45 per cent of total shipments.
Other products included lime juice, with shipments worth US$4.4m (an increase of 85 per cent against 2008); lime rind (worth US$4.23m); and exports of Sutil, Common and Criollo limes worth some US$888,000, up 3 per cent on 2008.
The US ranked the largest export market for Peruvian limes last year, accounting for 30 per cent of sendings, worth US$5.1m.
The Netherlands was the second-largest destination (absorbing US$3m-worth of exports), followed by the UK (with US$2.7m) and Denmark (US$2.4m).
Additional markets included Germany, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Canada, Ireland and Panama, among others.
