Peruvian customs figures showed paprika exports rose 17.6% in the three months to March 31 compared to the same period in 2010, with total values of US$11.9 million, website Agraria.pe reported.

But the higher export values were due to higher international prices, as volumes fell by 11.4% to 4,547 metric tons (MT) during the period, the story reported.

"It is due strictly to the substantial rise in the price. In 2010, exports started at US$2.50/Kg in FOB (Freight on Board) value, 100% more than in 2009 when its value was US$1.20/Kg FOB, and currently the product's value can reach between US$2.66/Kg and US$3/Kg," Peruvian Exporters Association (ADEX) Capsicum Committee president Jorge Chepote Gutiérrez told the website.

"In addition, the increasing demand for the product in Mexico, the United States and the European Union allows us to project a growth of 20% on last year."

Photo: www.agraria.pe

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