A Peruvian agricultural specialist has forecast 20% growth for the country's pepper exports in 2013, website Agraria.pe reported.

Jorge Chepote, who is an expert in the crop and its derivatives, expects a rise that should more than offset the 15% decline experienced in 2012, with a price fluctuating around US$2.50 per kilogram (2.2 pounds).

He said the varieties that would most benefit would be brown, guajillo, piquillo and jalapeño peppers, with demand continuing to grow in the U.S. and Europe. Asia has also become an emerging market for these products.

Chepote added South Korea was interested in negotiating 20,000 metric tons (MT) worth of Peruvian paprika imports in March.

The expert highlighted the industry was awaiting market entry approval in the U.S. for fresh chili and bell peppers in 2015.

"Assuming that they allow us entry into the U.S. with our national fresh capsicums, this shouldn't be a problem due to increased productivity, as crops are produced under nets which allows for better control of productive labor," he was quoted as saying.

www.freshfruitportal.com