Exports of Peruvian table grapes are on course to rise by 30 per cent this season, after a growth in sendings during the fourth quarter of 2010, according to the Peruvian Table Grape Growers Association (Provid).
Volume reached 53,000 tonnes during the October to December period of 2010, up from 41,000 tonnes exported in the same period of 2009, Provid was quoted in a report by Andina.
In 2009/10, Provid said exports reached US$135.3m in value and 60,600 tonnes in volume, representing a growth of 62.2 per cent and 38 per cent respectively in comparison to 2008/09.
The average price of exports between January and November 2010 reached US$2,347 per tonnes – up 13 per cent on the year-earlier period when the price was US$2.077, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture (Minag).
The US, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Russia, the UK, Spain and China, among others, are the main export destinations.
Provid said the Peruvian table grape industry is constantly seeking out new markets in order to widen the sector’s export market portfolio in the short term.
To that end, in November 2010, phytosanitary authorities from Mexico, Thailand and the Republic of Korea travelled to Peru with the aim of visting vineyards, packhouse and producers in Ica and Piura.
Furthermore, Provid is also working with the Peruvian phytosanitary agency Senasa to carry out studies regarding the entry of table grapes in Japan and has already begun research into access to New Zealand.
However, Provid general manager Sandro Farfánadmitted that in order to develop further, the industry needs better port and road infrastructure, as well as more government assistance to position Peru’s grapes at international trade shows and develop market intelligence studies.
There are some 7,472ha planted with table grapes in Peru, of which the majority are located in Ica (4,787ha), followed by Piura (1,842ha), Lambayeque (300ha), La Libertad (231ha), Arequipa (192ha), Ancash (72ha) and Lima (47ha).
