Juan Varillas, the president of the Exporters Association (Adex), said Peruvian potato exports increased by 8% in 2015 and amounted to 2.5 million dollars.
The main markets for this product in 2015 were Bolivia, the United States, and Chile; however, Peru expects to open new destinations.
"The potential export markets are Canada and Australia, which are currently buying very small amounts. Other opportunities for this year are the Arab Emirates and China," Varillas said.
According to Adex, export of native potatoes grew by 2,000%, as there was a great demand abroad to consume them as snacks.
"In 2010 they represented 30% of our exports, now they account for 70% of them. Currently, we are the leading potato producer in Latin America and the second one in the world," he added.
Internal market
The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the annual per capita consumption of potatoes was 89 kilos. It is worth noting that, 11 years ago, the per capita consumption barely amounted to 76 kilograms.
This tuber, which is the livelihood of more than 700,000 farmers, generates more than 33,000 jobs.
Source: bolsamania.com