In recent years, Peru has experienced exponential growth in the world of perishable exports. From sweet blueberries, citrus, table grapes, and mangos to creamy avocados and delicious asparagus, Peru’s diverse agricultural produce has captured the attention of markets worldwide. When it comes to fresh-grown foods, Peru stands tall on the world stage. With a double-digit growth recorded since 2005, Peru has positioned itself as a premier producer of high-quality fruits and vegetables.
Peruvian Perfection – A Refrigerated Export Boom
Originating within the desert landscape along the Peruvian coast, lies the heart of Peru’s refrigerated economy. Stretching 1,200 km south of Lima and up to 1,200 km north of the city, this coastal region has emerged as a hub of agricultural exports.
Guided by insights from global export experts, local Peruvian exporters have unlocked the region’s natural potential, maximized its vast resources, and implemented innovative water technologies and irrigation techniques to transform dry landscapes into a vibrant green carpet of thriving crops.
Recent developments have even seen the emergence of new fields along the mountains. Unlike the desert, the diverse climates of the mountains offer extended supply seasons for the crops, opening up new opportunities for export growth.
“There are still a lot of opportunities to develop thousands of hectares in the country” adds Miguel Gomez-Icaza – ZIM Peru Country Manager, “but at the same time, we are lucky because the downward flow of rainwater from the Andes to the coast has provided new export opportunities of high quality local Peruvian fruits and vegetables throughout the years.”
Thanks to its abundance, rich climate and natural resources, Peru has surpassed many neighboring countries’ volumes and emerged as a major player in the global perishable supply market.
Peru’s Thriving Seafood and Produce Industry
Peru’s natural abundance extends beyond its fertile lands. With the Humboldt current, nurturing a rich ecosystem, Peru boasts a flourishing seafood industry. Apart from frozen shrimp and scallop exports, the Humboldt squid is considered as the country’s largest seafood export, producing the biggest volumes in South America.
While Peru’s refrigerated export industry thrives, is it not without challenges. Recent heatwaves have posed significant difficulties for crop producers as well as the seafood sector. Blueberries and mango crops have suffered in the past year due to high temperatures, with approximately 22% and 65% of northern crops affected respectively. On the other hand, table grapes, have just concluded the season on a very high note, maintaining Peru’s position as one of the world’s leading grape exporters, even though Northern areas were also strongly impacted.
Avocado, the second-largest commodity, faced its own set of challenges this year, with a 15-18% reduction in fruit harvest due to northern fields being impacted by extreme heat.
Miguel explains, “Looking ahead, the next season is generally expected to recover fruit supply and is set to exceed market demand, aligning perfectly with the services we have to offer our Peruvian exporters.”
Gearing Up for Growth
As Peru prepares itself for the upcoming avocado, citrus and onion seasons, with direct calls from Callao and Paita destined to markets across the US Gulf and east coast of North America, anticipation is high.
The introduction of ZIM’s Colibri Express service marked a significant milestone, offering a direct route from Chile, Peru, and Ecuador to the US East Coast. This service has been very well received, providing Peruvian customers with a reliable and efficient link to major international markets.
Peru’s focus on expanding exports to China, particularly to North China and Shanghai, signals a promising future for Peruvian exporters. With opportunities aboard the Colibri and the Albatross services, the only one in the market calling Xingang in Tianjin, the nearest port to Beijing, opportunities to develop to Asian markets are only set to grow.
More to read...
-
Fresh from Chile: How Cutting-Edge Technology Ensures Grape Quality and Freshness
Hear from Alexander Ruzsitska – ZIM Chile Sales Manager who guides us through the innovative methods employed to ensure the safe and fresh delivery of Chilean grapes to markets worldwide, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology preserves their freshness, ready to delight consumers globally.
-
Egypt Exports: What’s Driving the Market and What Lies Ahead?
Originating from its fertile lands and making their way to tables across the globe, discover the diverse range of fruit varieties cultivated in Egypt, along with the secrets behind the region’s booming grape export industry.
-
From Local to Global: India’s Evolution as a Pharma Powerhouse
Dive into the heart of India’s pharmaceutical industry as we uncover its global impact. Our interview with Santosh Namboodiri – ZIM India Sales Manager offers insights into the country’s rise as the pharmacy of the world.
-
Keeping Your Cargo Cool, Keeping You Connected
In this exclusive interview with Yifat Ginzberg, ZIM Chief of Marketing (CMO), we explore the fusion of technology and personalized service driving our ZIMonitor solution, which has quickly developed into a trademark, establishing its position as a signature offering within the industry by ZIM.