According to the Association of exporters (Adex), exports of capsicum (chilli and peppers) in the first half of the year amounted to 113.7 million dollars, i.e. 12% more over the same period of the previous year.
According to figures of the Adex Agro Management, the most popular products were canned capsicum ($64.8 million dollars) and their shipments increased by 16% and represent 57% of total exports of the capsicum genus. The most popular were those of piquillo peppers, red pepper, cherry, jalapeno, paprika, teardrop, capia, and yellow pepper, among others.
The president of the Capsicum Committee of Adex, Renzo Gómez, said that canned capsicum exports were followed by dried capsicum (46.2 million dollars), frozen capsicum ($2.1 million), and fresh capsicum (432,000 dollars), which had a positive development. Their main market for fresh capsicum was Europe, he said.
"Currently Peruvian fresh capsicum does not have access to the US, even though this is the main destination for the other Peruvian presentations: canned (46%), dry (52%) and frozen (56%)," said Gomez.
In order to achieve access for the fresh capsicum to the US, the Pro Peppers Working Group, led by Adex, was created in 2009. This group is formed by the six major agro-exporters in the country: Sociedad Agrícola Virú, Camposol, Danper, Ecoacuicola, Gandules, and Olmos Verdes.
After 5 years of work, Gomez said, on April 24, 2015 the US APHIS published the proposed rule to allow imports of fresh capsicum from Peru to the U.S. market, and its public consultation period concluded on June 23.
"Fresh shipments will be complementary to the American industry since they will enter in the commercial window following the production and export protocols established by the APHIS. Thus, they won't harm the local industry," he said.
Markets
The exporter Guild stated that the main target destination for capsicum was the US (55.3 million dollars), which increased its orders by 13% and concentrated 49% of total exports. After the US are Spain (US $ 22.1 million), Mexico ($17.7 million), Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Puerto Rico, Belgium, Chile, and France, among others.
It's worth noting that the capsicum offer was among the most demanded products at the Expoalimentaria fair.
Due to its potential and opportunities abroad, the 6th International Convention of Capsicum will be held in the city of Chiclayo, one of the main producing areas in the country.
Gomez said that the strategies to strengthen the position of Peru as a producer and exporter of chillies and peppers will be evaluated in the convention, entitled "Innovating and strengthening the Peruvian capsicum".
It should be noted that the event, organized by Adex in co-organization with the Ministry of agriculture and irrigation (Minagri), will be held from September 30 to October 2 at the Casa Andina of Chiclayo Hotel.
The event will count with the participation of national and international specialists. Its program includes a discussion about varieties, highlighting the importance of agents for the development of the field, the promotion of the opening of access to new markets, and the encouragement of technological innovation and research for the development of capsicum.
Source: gestion.pe