A new reports claims Peru’s asparagus export industry needs to rethink its strategic approach if it is to maintain its position as the world’s leading export nation.
The research, by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (Cepal) warned that if it wishes to stay ahead of the competition, Peru requires a more strategic approach to exports and better access to information.
“The dynamics of a global market, competition from Mexico, rising logistics costs, exchange rate variations and lack of cohesion between the policies of the various export companies all point to the need to take more frequent and better decisions, so fast and accurate information is crucial,” the report said.
The report also suggests that climate change will play an increasingly important role in the industry, impacting on production zones and the main consumer markets alike. Water scarcity in Peru’s main production zones will also limit the future growth of the industry, the study predicted.
It said that while a number of institutions within Peru are working to develop technical innovations that would alleviate the impact of climate change, they are “working in isolation, without realising the importance of involving the entire supply chain”. It called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, highlighting the work undertaken by the Peruvian Institute for Asparagus and other bodies as successful examples of public-private partnership within the industry.
Peru was the world’s biggest exporter of fresh asparagus in the period between 2008 and 2012. However, the report warned that Mexico is playing an increasingly important role as a supplier to key markets including the UK, the Netherlands and Spain during the first half of the year.
