Peru's exports of lucuma pulp have risen 190% year-on-year to US$301,000 in the first half of 2011, according to customs figures reported by website Agraria.pe.

Unión de Negocios Corporativos (Union of Corporate Businesses) commercial manager Graciel Trujillo, told Agraria the increase was largely due to a spike in exports to Chile, with the South American neighbor tripling its intake of the native Peruvian fruit.

The lucuma, otherwise known as 'eggfruit', has a dry flesh with a bitter taste, similar in texture to a pumpkin but with a unique flavor that is popular in desserts.

"Filling the demand of our current destinations is our priority, although Asian and European markets are very attractive," Trujillo was quoted as saying.

"Relevant studies have not yet been done, so it's better to walk safely and continue growing, and we will see later."

Agraria reported the average price for the fruit was US$2.78 per kilogram, while in the month of June alone more than US$186,000 was exported, according to statistics from Agrodata.

Photo: www.agronegociosperu.org

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