Peruvian piquillo pepper shipments were up 174.8% year-on-year in January with returns of US$4.7 million, according to figures released by the nation's Agricultural Exporters Association (ADEX).

The association said the positive trend was not only seen in FOB value, but also in volume which rose 182.6% to 2,210 metric tons (MT).

ADEX said the export rise was due mainly to higher demand in Spain, Peru's leading market for the crop with purchases of US$4.1 million for the period, representing growth of 207.9%.

"This vegetable is considered a gourmet product and is one of the most demanded accompaniments in the gastronomy of that country and others of the European Union," ADEX said.

The group said the product was demanded by distributors and then supermarkets, although the peppers were also sold directly to supermarkets, restaurants, gourmet stores and hotels on occasion.

Other key markets were the U.S. with growth of 136.1% and France with an import increase of 39.8%; both these markets represent 5.5% and 3.3% of purchases respectively.

After these markets came Australia, Canada, Denmark, the U.K., the Netherlands, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Brazil and Chile.

The association highlighted that Peru's climatic conditions meant piquillo peppers could be grown year-round, supplying a diverse range of markets at times when other international suppliers couldn't.

Peru's piquillo peppers are mostly grown in the country's north (Lambayeque, La Libertad and Piura), Lima and the south (Ica), while the productive zone of Majes in Arequipa has been presented as a potentially great opportunity for development.

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