"European sales during 2014 have met our expectations and we are currently working hard to be ready for the white asparagus campaign, for which we expect a 10% increase in shipments," affirms Jorge Aranguri, director of Danper Trujillo SAC.
The first shipments to Europe leave in early January, with good prices until Easter; afterwards, European asparagus will enter the market and returns will significantly drop.
A wide range of crops, such as artichokes, peppers, avocados, grapes, mangoes and asparagus are grown on Danper's 6,000 hectares. The latter, with 2,500 hectares, is the company's main product.
Regarding fresh green asparagus, Jorge says: "Our volume of exports to the U.S. has been similar to last year's. We expected lower exports due to competition with Mexico, but this was eventually not the case, and the peak during the holidays this year has been very positive."
One of the greatest threats to the competitiveness of Peruvian asparagus in the U.S. market is the fumigation required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). "We aim for fumigation to stop being mandatory, but it is unlikely the situation will be resolved any time soon," states Jorge.
Grapes for the Chinese market
The company had its first Red Globe grape harvest in 2013. Jorge points out that "the Asian market has been the one responding best to our grapes, while on the opposite side of the scale, prices in Europe have been quite low, which has discouraged exporters."
According to Jorge, Chinese consumers are fascinated by light pink grapes (RG1-RG2). "If the fruit selection is carried out properly, you are guaranteed to receive the agreed price. Otherwise, the price difference can easily exceed 15%, which can well be the difference between success and failure," he explains.
Jorge affirms that "China, within its territory, still faces great logistical challenges. Our fruit arrives at the port and from there it is brought to the major coastal markets, but a development of inland logistics is necessary."
At the moment, the company has 100 hectares for the production of grapes, but its ambitious expansion plans aim to increase this to 600 hectares by 2016. Much of the production will take place as part of the Olmos Irrigation Project, which will allow over 38,000 hectares of sand to be irrigated and turned into arable land.
"We bought 1,000 hectares in Olmos, where we mainly plan to grow grapes. We are showing a strong commitment because we know that the market is there and we have sufficient experience to make the most of the project and continue expanding, always looking ahead," concludes Jorge.
For more information:
Danper Trujillo S.A.C.
Perú
Jorge Aranguri (Director)
+5144257484
jaranguri@danper.com
www.danper.com