The Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex) is organising a second pepper conference to promote the development of the industry.
Taking place at the University of San Martín de Porres in Lambayeque on 21-22 July, the II International Pepper Convention aims to reinforce Peru’s pepper industry by improving coordination between the main playersand evaluating its position and diversification potential.
To that end, Adex is inviting renowned national and international guests from Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Israel.
Conference sessions will focus on plant health; food safety; genetic and production improvements; post-harvest and added value; as well as marketing and trade.
Peruvian peppers are grown in Lambayeque, Arequipa, La Libertad and Ica, with the main export markets in Spain, the US and Mexico, as well as Chile, Poland, South Africa, Russia and Guatemala.
Exports between January and May this year rose by an impressive 91 per cent in value terms to US$92.7m, according to Adex.
Of that total, a little more than US$15m-worth of exports were sourced from the Lambayeque region, which thanks to its weather and agronomic conditions is one of the principal growing regions in Peru for paprika, chilli peppers and peppers.
Lambayeque is now regarded as the “pepper capital” of Peru, according to Néstor González Dupuy, Adex’s regional technical manager for northern Peru.
Adex believes Peru has the potential to become a world-leading pepper supplier.
