In 2016 China was the world's leading producer of organic kion (ginger), as it accounted for about 42% of the world production. It was followed by Peru with 41% of the production, according to the Peru's Commercial Office (Ocex) in New York.
The marketing of kion or ginger, a root containing a variety of curative properties, has increased significantly in recent years in the United States, in part because of the positive impact it has on human health, and also due to the diversity of uses it has, stated the Ocex in New York.
Currently, several companies in the in the US food and beverage sector use ginger as an ingredient to produce a wide range of value-added products, including alcoholic beverages such as kion beer and non-alcoholic beverages, such as carbonated drinks, juices and teas, as well as candies, sweets, cookies, breads, and energy bars.
Peruvian kion
Regarding the concentrated taste of the Peruvian product, Kent Lancaster, the commercial manager of the trading company Asica Organics said that one of his clients, a producers of kion beer, needed at least three times more Chinese kion than Peruvian kion to obtain the same flavor that they achieve with the Peruvian product.
The organic kion from Peru is considered to be the best tasting ginger. This is due, among other things, to the way that producers treat this product. In the Peruvian case, producers observe and manually take care of the kion's ripening process. Meanwhile, in China, the sowing, harvesting and production processes were mechanized to achieve cost reductions and efficiencies.
US companies appreciate the strategic social responsibility, environmental, and fair trade management, which is why they prioritize their purchases to the companies that dedicate their efforts to fulfill these objectives.
According to BOX UK, in 2016 China led the world production in organic kion with about 42% of the production, while Peru ranked second with 41%.
Exports
According to Promperu, in 2016, Peruvian exports of kion increased by 8%, from US $22.5 million in 2015 to US $24.3 million in 2016. The United States was the main destination and accounted for 50% of total exports.
The US market pays premium prices for fresh and organic products, and Peruvian exporters have found a niche market in this country and have positioned themselves there thanks to the quality and flavor of their product.
In addition to the important positioning of the unprocessed kion, the sector is slowly developing value-added presentations that maintain the high quality of the Peruvian product, ensuring that these exports continue to have this product's taste, aroma, nutritional qualities and health benefits.
According to the Ocex in New York, US consumers prefer US-products made with high quality imported ingredients, so Peru must gradually convince this market of its ability, not only to grow great-tasting products, but also to produce processed products and gourmet products.
Source: gestion.pe