Maximixe Consulting
Peru: Banana exports could increase 20% in 2015
According to Maximixe, there are four factors that will lead to an increase in the production of banana and plantain. The first factor is that there is an increase in Piura’s production of organic bananas bound for the U.S. and the European market. Another factor is that there is a greater control of pests favoured by the support of institutions such as the INIA and SENASA on the coast.
A third factor is that Devida has started planting bananas, as an alternate crop, in the regions of San Martin, Huanuco and Ucayali. Finally, Maximixe said, there has been an increase in the demand of bellaco bananas- the main variety grown in the jungle- to make banana chips and banana flour.
Moreover, Maximixe expects exports of bananas and plantains in 2015 amount to nearly $139.9 million dollars, i.e. a 20% increase over the previous year.
"There will be an increase in the demand of organic Cavendish Valery bananas led by Holland, the U.S., Germany and the new European markets, as well as an increase in Piura’s production (mainly in the exporting region)," said the consultant.
They also said there was a higher average yield as a result of the proper management of plantations and better pest management, which has slowed the progress of the red stain and the sigatoka.
Source: El comercio