ne might think the Peruvian fresh produce industry had played all of its cards already after developing an enviably diverse product portfolio and signing lucrative free trade agreements (FTAs) with 18 countries around the world. But despite having transformed itself into a competitive and reliable global fruit and vegetable supplier, it appears the future for the emerging South American nation remains action packed.

“Peru will have a lot to say in the future,” confirms Ana María Deustua, executive director of the Peruvian association of agrarian producers’ guilds (Agap), which represents Peru’s five current fresh produce grower associations, Apem, Ipeh, ProCitrus, ProHass and ProVid.

“Peru is trying to develop new products,” she continues. “It’s always been said that we have a country that is blessed by the gods because we have the right weather conditions and fertile land to grow a range of products more efficiently than in other latitudes. If you add that to the introduction of technology and innovation then you have a good equation.”

Socio-economically, the agriculture industry is having a major impact on reducing poverty in Peru, according to a 2012 study commissioned by Agap. “Over the last 10 years the sector has created 1.5 million jobs and increased indirect employment by 800,000 jobs,” Deustua explains. “From now until 2021 the estimates show that

agriculture in Peru is set to generate another one million jobs if we maintain the Agrarian Law, current levels of production and participation at international trade fairs.”

With the Peruvian government also in the process of expanding the nation’s agricultural land mass by nearly 200,000ha through major irrigation projects, and with recently introduced fruits like organic bananas, blueberries and pomegranates starting to take off, it is clear Peru’s export mission is far from over.

Already, Agap is in discussions with growers to establish two further produce associations – one for berries (ProBerries) and another for pomegranates (ProGranadas). “We’re tasked with contributing to the modern development of Peruvian agriculture,” notes Deustua.

Peru still needs investment, however, to develop production, labour and exports, warns Deustua. “Compared with other economic sectors in Peru, the agricultural sector has been developed by Peruvian investors but now we’re seeing more investors from Chile, China, Colombia and Spain, among other nations.”

Despite already doubling its export markets in recent years, in the future Deustua claims Peru will develop more supply destinations. “Europe has always been the main market and it’s a shame that the recession is happening right now but fortunately it’s affecting more the processed sector since fresh, healthy food is still in demand,” she says.

“Peru is pushing a lot in Europe. The UK is still important and the FTA between Peru and the European Union will give Peru a special relationship and more opportunities. In addition, Peru has an agreement with the Nordic countries and our goods are already arriving in eastern Europe. Peru is even sending a lot of table grapes to Russia.”

The Peruvian government is planning to open a trade office in Turkey in 2013, according to Agap, and exporters are keen to explore north Africa, especially Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Deustua says the US market will also remain very important, while Peru is still in fashion in Asia. “Suppliers are already looking increasingly at the Asian markets and exports are growing,” she notes. “South America is also developing and becoming more open. Due to the proximity, we can easily explore these markets too.” —