Peru's presence in Berlin's Fruit Logistica did not go unnoticed due to their attractive food tasting and, mainly, because of the country's diverse product offerings. There were producers of mangoes, grapes, asparagus, blueberries, aguaymanto (physallis), and passion fruit, among others, with a particular emphasis on the super fruits that Peru has to offer consumers worldwide.
A handmade fabric mural exposed in Peru's exhibition hall to promote the country's benefits.
Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade, Eduardo Ferreyros, attended the opening of the Peruvian pavilion and emphasized the importance of trade with Europe. "We aim to position ourselves as a provider of healthy foods that improve people's quality of life. We are a diverse country that has all kinds of weather, which allows us to offer diverse and organic products. Our super foods, and their availability, complements the European seasons," Ferreyros said in an interview with FreshPlaza.
Eduardo Ferreyros, Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade.
Consumer habits evolve
"Peru is already known as a supplier of organic products, but we also want to be on a par with the Dutch government's intitiatives, so that starting in 2020 all of our offer will be of 100% sustainable products. Therefore, we will start working to achieve this goal from this year (2017). There is a drive to produce and consume organic products, and this is positioning us as one of the leading producers and suppliers of these products," the minister stated.
Shopping habits in Europe have evolved over the years. It has become a sophisticated market that appreciates and prefers fresh natural products and is willing to pay the price for this added value. "Consumers currently prefer to visit the stores on a daily basis to get freshly harvested products. Thus, we are innovating to achieve the export of fruits from areas that aren't very industrialized and that produce a more natural product which meets the needs of these sophisticated fruit markets."
Culinary destination
Agriculture is the second largest source of employment and income for Peru, preceded by mining, and the sector's demand for labor has increased considerably in recent years. Therefore, developing this sector is of national interest. "Our goal is to be recognized for the quality of our fresh and finished products. Not to mention that Peru is starting to gain fame as one of the most distinguished culinary destinations worldwide. We've won this award for the second year in a row. This has increased tourism, but also the interest and demand for our products," concluded Ferreyros.