Peru: Good start for Ica's table grape campaign

In 2014, Peruvian grape exports registered an increase of almost 60% compared with the previous year, according to the Association of Exporters (ADEX).

While the season in the north of the country is almost complete, in the major production area of Ica it is only now getting underway, and lasting until March.

"We are starting the season with very good quality fruit and we plan to export about 350 containers of Red Globe this year," says Carla Robles, sales manager of Corporación Agrolatina.

The company, based in Ica and Nazca, is devoted to the production, packaging and export of grapes. Its main varieties are Red Globe, which are mainly shipped to the Asian market, and Flame, which are exported to the U.S. and Europe. It also grows avocados and pomegranates.

Sweet Panda is the company's premium brand. The fruit selected for it must meet the strictest standards in terms of size, texture, and especially colour, which should be light pink.

"Our brand's popularity is excellent in China and this year we hope for it to grow in other markets such as Vietnam, India and Indonesia," affirms Carla.

Regarding the company's plans for the future, Carla says: "Currently we own 350 hectares for the production of Red Globe grapes, but our expansion plan includes the introduction of seedless varieties. We plan to reach 700 hectares in total with a growth rate of 50 hectares per year."