Peruvian grape exports have grown by an average of just over 40% in the last five years thanks to higher U.S. shipments, website Alertaeconomica.com reported.

Exports in 2005 stood at US$33.9 million but lept to US$186.2 million in 2010, largely due to U.S. consumers' preference for the country's grapes.

This year between January and August, exports grew by 49.8% up to U.S. $92.9 million, driven largely by a leap in purchases from China (125.9% growth). Other countries which imported more included the Netherlands (84.4%), Hong Kong (45.5%) and the U.S. (3.6%) .

The increased appetite for Peru's grapes is also attributed to a growth in grape-based products in export destination countries.

Peruvian exporting companies which recorded bumper sales growth were Ica Fruit (1409.4% growth),  agro-exporter Manuelita (746.7%) and Procesadora Larán (303.5 %).

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