The representative of the Association, Jacky Espiritu Leon, said the Association was comprised by 40 producers of San Mateo de Otao, an area that holds 1,000 hectares and that produces between 12 and 14 thousand tons of cherimoya per year.
He also said that they had been negotiating since last year with the La Huerta Imports company to carry out this first direct shipping, because they previously exported their product through intermediaries.
In that sense, the commercial representative of the La Huerta Imports in Peru, Rayner Arbildo, stated that the first shipment would consist of two pallets of Peruvian Cherimoya, each one made up of 96 boxes containing between 8 and 18 units of this fruit. Each box weights 5 kg and its price amounts to US $15.
"Receiving Peruvian Cherimoya is very important for the Canadian market because we know the quality of the product. Additionally, it will become the competition of the Atemoya, a fruit from Brazil that is also sent to Canada," said Arbildo.
To achieve this shipment, Sierra Exportadora linked the association with exporters and provided support for the improved quality of the fruit, said Cesar Fernandez, a consultant from Sierra Exportadora - Lima Provinces. The goal of this entity, he added, is to consolidate the Association of producers, in order to have products destined to the external markets.
Moreover, the National Institute for Agrarian Innovation (INIA) provided support in the field and in good agricultural practices (GAP).