Peru: Capsicum exports exceeds USD 340 million in 2012

In the first three months of the year, paprika prices stayed low and the bi-monthly capsicum exports in 2012 were not very favourable, considering that their fresh and canned shipments fell 3.6% and 55.4%.

Yesterday, at a press conference for the launch of the III International Convention of Capsicum, to be held between the 18th and 19th of April in Ica, Jorge Chepote, chairman of the Capsicum Association of Exporters (ADEX), pointed out that last season's shipments skirted the USD300 million and projected an increase of 30% for 2012.

He also stated that this variation would be due to increased volumes in paprika, considering that prices have fallen from USD 2.92/Kg. (2011) to USD 2.41/Kg. (2012).

He also highlighted the momentum for bell and piquillo peppers, that may increase between 2 and 3,000 hectares this year, specifically in the north.

III International Capsicum Convention

In this regard, Alfredo Paredes, manager of Adex Agro, said that among the objectives of the event are: assessing the current situation of the sector, its position in international markets, the institutional strengthening of the Capsicum Committee and crop diversification into new markets.

He also said the event will be held in five modules: Health and safety, production,
breeding, post harvest and market, noting that as part of the activities, visits will be done to Chincha and Ica production farms.

PromPerú's Backup

Meanwhile, William Arteaga Donayre, general coordinator of agriculture and agribusiness of PromPeru, supported the figures given in the event and mentioned the work of Pro Peppers (Adex committee formed to promote Capsicums fresh entry to the United States), highlighting their work on the progress made with the U.S. agricultural health institution (APHIS), from which they are awaiting a response for the cultivation of grapes and avocado.

Capsicum export for the first two months of 2012

Between the months of January and February 2012, Customs' statistics showed a significant drop in various items of capsicums, one of its varieties, the so called "whole" amounted to USD8.9 million, with an average price (with a downward tendency) USD 2.37/Kg., which meant a fall of 3.6% over what was achieved last year (USD 9,266,760).

Canned peppers reached USD 4.4 million, which meant a drop of 55.4%, an average price of USD 2.07/Kg., down eight points in relation to the amount that was released in the last year.

In this same period, canned chili exports and various peppers totaled USD 5.4 million, which produced a growth of 17.2% over January and February of last year, highlighting bell peppers with USD 4.3 million, paprika peppers (USD 887,000), yellow peppers (USD 49,000) and red pepper (USD27,000).

Finally, in January and February of 2012, paprika powder shipments were USD 3.4 million, with a prices similar to those of last year, USD 2.22/Kg., which had a growth of 45.1%, compared the same period of 2011.

Source: Agraria.pe