Peru is in a key stage of strengthening new market-oriented production chains, focusing on adding value and connecting small producers with agribusiness, stated Luis Llanos, head of Agromercado, which is part of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI).
© Agromercado
"Agromercado acts as a marketplace connector that enables small and medium-sized family farming producers to access markets," stated Llanos. Since 2024, the institution, formerly known as Sierra y Selva Exportadora, has broadened its scope through programs that encourage formalization, collaboration, and technical training to enhance access to both domestic and international markets.
A key component is the Agricultural Supplier Development Program (PDP), which directly links private-sector demand with producer supply. This model starts by identifying what export companies require, such as calibers, GlobalG.A.P., or organic certifications, and prepares cooperatives and associations to meet these standards. "It is a demand-driven approach; first, we understand the market requirements, then we guide producers to deliver quality and traceability," Llanos stated.
© Agromercado
Among the priority chains are native potato, quinoa, coffee, fine cocoa, fresh ginger, passion fruit, Valencia orange, and, increasingly, Golden pineapple. "We have observed strong international demand for processed pineapple - frozen, dehydrated, and organic - driven by reduced supply from Central America. Peru is taking advantage of this opportunity with a production that is growing steadily, especially in the central jungle and the northern coast," he stated.
© Agromercado
The head of Agromercado emphasized that the country already possesses the necessary infrastructure for fruit processing, including freezing and dehydrating plants in Piura, Lambayeque, and other regions. This infrastructure has traditionally been used for mangoes, avocados, and blueberries. "Integrating Golden pineapple into this agro-industrial cluster on the northern coast could spark a significant productive revolution. Additionally, it is a fruit that can be cultivated without deforestation, giving it an edge in the most selective markets," he added.
Agromercado has opened new offices in Ica, Tacna, Tumbes, and Lima (Huacho and Cañete), where it is developing fruit tree projects with export potential and initiatives for transitioning to more profitable crops. For example, in Tacna, they are promoting Washington oranges and oregano. In Cañete and Huacho, raspberries and passion fruit are being promoted as sustainable alternatives.
© Agromercado
Over 25,000 producers have benefited from these initiatives, exporting more than 850 tons of organic products to Europe, the United States, and India. Llanos emphasized that the challenge is both productive and commercial: "The global market demands certified, traceable fruit, with a history. Our goal is for Peruvian family farms to compete by quality, identity, and added value, not by volume," he stated.
For more information:
Luis Llanos
Agromercado
Peru
Tel: +51 944 150 457 / +51 952 366 864
Email: [email protected]
www.agromercado.gob.ps
