The new Peruvian grape season is underway in a context of relative stability after several years marked by weather phenomena. Angie Meléndez Vargas, head of exports at J&L Agroexportaciones, an exporter with more than 15 years' experience in the sector, says that the company's production areas are located within the privileged areas of the coast and haven't been as affected by the weather phenomena that have hit the Peruvian coasts in recent years. This allows for a good campaign to be projected in terms of quality.
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For this season, J&L expects a lower amount of containers of its Red Globe grape, its main variety for more than a decade. Although the volume will be lower than last year, Meléndez is confident that a gradual recovery will follow. "Our production in a normal year, when the plants' productive capacity stabilizes, should amount to around 180 to 190 containers. We currently have young plants due to the fact that we renewed 100% of the acreage of our oldest plantation located in Casma, as well as some lots in our farm in Pacanguilla."
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The company is one of the few agro-exporters still committed to the Red Globe variety. "Although many producers in Peru have given up on the Red Globe, we remain committed to it, because it's still a sustainable business. This puts us in a good position in the international market, especially because of the marketing period, which starts in October and lasts until the end of December, with arrivals at destination until the last week of the year, so we are not competing with the fruit from Chile, South Africa, and southern Peru," she says.
"We are also looking for new challenges. This year, we are getting ready to introduce a new variety: the Sweet Globe, a green seedless grape that will be produced with the idea of it being exported from October 2026. It is a licensed variety and already well-positioned in the international market, but for us it represents a new bet aimed at seeking opportunities in the US market," she says
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"Currently, 80% of our exports go to Europe, with Rotterdam as the main destination. We also ship to Spain and Portugal. However, we are looking to diversify our markets and regain some presence in the United States after several years of focusing exclusively on Europe," she says.
However, there are still challenges. On a national level, agricultural operations have been indirectly affected by political instability and labor conflicts. "The political issues are having an impact on labor. Fortunately, we have a stable and reliable team that trusts us as employers, and that's helping us ensure some continuity," she says.
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In terms of logistics, Peru is facing heavy port congestion due to overlap between the grape, blueberry, mango, and citrus fruit campaigns, which has resulted in delays and equipment shortages. "We have still managed to overcome those difficulties, and in the previous season, only two containers were delayed. In general, we have managed to keep our operations going smoothly thanks to good coordination with our logistics partners (Port Logistic), who have provided us with efficient solutions to these difficulties," she says.
For more information:
Angie Meléndez Vargas
J&L Agroexportaciones
Peru
Tel.: +51 947 376 556
[email protected]
www.jylagroexportaciones.com
Alberto Peña Pezo
J&L Agroexportaciones
Spain
Tel.: +34 615 85 26 13
[email protected]
www.jylagroexportaciones.com
