Peru could become a world leader in capsicum exports if it can gain access to the U.S. market, an Association of Exporters (ADEX) representative told website Agraria.pe.

ADEX Capsicum Committee president Jorge Chepote told the website a good campaign was expected in 2011-12, due to price trends, a lack of supply overseas and other factors.

"Peru is already the largest exporter of paprika in the world and could become the number one exporter of chillies and bell peppers in the world," Chepote was quoted as saying.

"To do this we must improve our coordination between actors in the production chain, while refining the work being done to achieve entry into potential markets."

Chepote said the industry was involved in various phytosanitary techniques to improve food safety for U.S. access.

ADEX, La Molina Agricultural University and the National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) are working with counterparts from Bolivia and Germany to identify the genetic diversity of capsicums, develop productive chains for small farmers and understand the crop's organoleptic footprint.

"The country's brand will allow us to further promote more of our cuisine with chilli as one of the key ingredients, develop new markets, taking the model of Mexican cuisine," ADEX agri-exports chief Beatriz Tubino was quoted as saying.

Peru's capsicum industry also has a lot it can learn from Israeli post harvest techniques.

Volcani Center Institute of Post Harvest and Food Science director Dr. Elazar Fallik, said a 10-year study found various factors which affected capsicum productivity, including the color and type of greenhouse mesh, hot water machines, cut stem criteria, personnel sanitary practices, cold chain maintenance, the use of tools and timely harvesting, the story reported.

Peru's capsicum exports rose from US$90 million in 2009 to US$111.8 million in 2010.

Photo: Agraria

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