The value of Peru's strawberry exports almost doubled over the last couple of years, largely thanks to increased demand in some key markets and more companies cottoning on to the berry's profitability. 

In 2014 shipments to foreign markets reached US$26.6 million, representing a 45.2% year-on-year increase, according to the country's Association of Exporters (ADEX).

The group's manager Giannina Denegri said the high profitability had made the fruit an attractive product for any company to work with, and exporting as frozen made it easier to find suitable markets.

"The main areas for the fruit are Lima, La Libertad and Ica. Its production is on the up, but it is still relatively small considering the foreign demand there is. If we were to put better technologies to use, the fruit's potential would be far bigger," she said.

Strong demand from the U.S., Canada and Brazil was said to be the main factor leading to the export growth.

ADEX reported the main form of exporting strawberries was frozen and without added sugars or sweeteners, followed by frozen with added sugar.

The fruit was sent to 25 different countries last year, with the U.S. receiving the biggest share of US$11.5 million, or about 43.4% of shipments. This represents a 119.1% year-on-year increase.

Next in the rankings was Canada with US$3.2 million and Brazil with US$2.8 million, which received 12.2% and 10.5% of the total respectively.

Other markets included Japan, China, the Netherlands, Puerto Rica, Germany, Spain, Chile, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic, Australia, South Korea, Belgium, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The main exporting companies were Mebol, Agroworld, Frozen Foods, Agropackers, Del Ande Alimentos, and Peruvian Agro Services.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com