The Netherlands is an important trade partner of Peru, and that was also the reason for the South American country to participate in the Amsterdam Produce Show with a number of traders at the beginning of November. According to Angélica Kroon from the Trade Commission of Peru, this held large advantages. “For the Netherlands, Spain is number one import country. From there, the largest volumes of fruit and vegetables are imported. South Africa follows, and Peru is third.”
Increase in organic
The export of Peru to Europe arrives via the Netherlands due to the Port of Rotterdam. That is a second reason for the trade between the two countries. The export from Peru to the Netherlands has only increased in recent years. The majority of export from Peru to the Netherlands is food, and of that, fruit and vegetables make up the majority. In addition, coffee, cocoa, Peruvian corn such as Quinoa and super foods are also exported. The most important exported products are avocado, mango, grapes, asparagus and tangerines. Besides, there is a sharp increase in the export of blueberries. Peru is one of the largest exporters in the world of organic bananas, and they only export organic bananas. These grow in the Valle del Chira in Sullana in the Piura province, where there is an ideal climate for the organic cultivation of bananas. Although this started as a niche market, this could continue growing due to the increased export.
Organic and exotics
“Peru still produces many conventional products, but it is growing in organic ones. Besides organic bananas, many other products are also organically cultivated, and that will only increase in coming years. We notice a growing demand for these kinds of products from Europe and the US. Especially Germany is very strong in organic. However, the Netherlands still has to catch up.” Angélica also sees in increasing interest in special exotics and super foods, which Peru produces as well. “Dozens of years ago, avocados and mangoes were still niche products, and now look at the volumes. In Peru, organic bananas also used to be a niche product. Possibly chirimoya and pitahaya will also increase in export, considering the growing attention for healthy food. But because they are different fruits, we cannot yet predict this.” For more information:
Angélica Kroon
Trade Commission of Peru
+31 1028 212 36
Weena 290
3012 NJ Rotterdam
The Netherlands
angelica.kroon@perutrade.nl