Peru’s organic banana exports to principally Europe and the US increased by 23 per cent in volume terms during the first three months of 2011 compared with the same period a year before, reaching 25,000 tonnes.
In value terms, the Andean country’s organic banana shipments also grew by 21 per cent during the first trimester of the year, totalling US$16m, according to information from Peru’s ministry of agriculture, published by the Andina news agency.
The Netherlands, one of the largest distributors of imported fruits and vegetables in Europe, is the main receiver of the exports, annually accounting for around 14,000 tonnes – over 56 per cent of Peru’s total organic banana shipments.
Other major markets include the US, which receives 20 per cent (5,000 tonnes), Japan with 11 per cent (3,000 tonnes) and Belgium with 7 per cent (2,000 tonnes).
Peruvian organic banana exports have risen by 23 per cent over the past eight years, from 18,000 tonnes in 2003 to 79,000 tonnes by 2010, Andina added.
