Peruvian avocado exports rose sharply last year according to figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri).
The country exported 247,000 tonnes with a corresponding value of US$580m, representing increases of 27 per cent and 46 per cent respectively and making Peru the world’s second biggest supplier behind Mexico.
The US and Europe were the biggest markets –and between them, Europe, the US, China and Chile accounted for 95 per cent of exports.
Minagri said access to new markets such as China was a major factor for the rise in shipments. Peru supplied 14 per cent of China’s imported avocados in 2016.
Overall, Peruvian agricultural exports reached US$6.255bn in 2017, an 8 per cent increase on the previous year.
Citrus and blueberries were among the other star performers, climbing 69 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.
