There is a global trend for consuming exotic fruits, such as camu camu, pitahaya, and açai because of their nutritional properties; and the forest regions, such as Amazonas, Loreto, Ucayali, Madre de Dios, and San Martin, can take advantage of this trend as these areas have a great potential to boost production.
According to the Sierra and Selva Exportadora program, the Chinese market, which showed an annual growth of 20% during the 2014-2015 period, is a clear example of global consumption trends. Exotic fruit exports to Kuwait increased by 164% in the same period.
Thai and Malaysian purchases of exotic fruit increased by 30% and 37% respectively; while Vietnam increased imports of these fruits by 122% between 2014 and 2015.
These exotic species are also gaining ground in Europe and the United States, where the population tries to follow a balanced diet and favor their various nutritional, antioxidant properties, and health benefits.
Since 2011, Sierra and Selva Exportadora began promoting berry cultivation (blueberry, raspberry, aguaymanto) and the results have exceeded expectations.
Now it's the turn of the so-called Superfoods, and these exotic fruits are gradually taking on great importance worldwide.
Production areas
The camu camu is produced in the regions of Loreto, Ucayali, and, in small amounts, in the region of San Martin. In addition, there are about 1,345 hectares of natural forest stands, mainly in the basins of the Putumayo, Tigre, Ucayali, Napo and Curaray rivers.
The pitahaya, which is also known as dragon fruit, is produced in small quantities in Amazonas, and has a better chance in Europe due to its high demand in the major culinary cities like Paris, Barcelona and Madrid, where it used to prepare desserts.
The açai, which is produced in Loreto and Ucayali, is known for its high concentration of the anthocyanin pigment that gives it a deep purple color, just like the blueberry, and makes it a powerful antioxidant.
Since it is a powerful antioxidant, the oil of this fruit is used in beauty products, generating US $530 billion annually.
Source: gestion.pe