Peruvian avocados

Peruvian fresh fruit and vegetable exports are expected to hit US$2.19bn this year, a 15 per cent jump on the previous 12 months, according to figures from the Peruvian Association of Agricultural Producer Unions (AGAP).

AGAP executive director Ana Maria Deustua said that an increasing recognition of Peru as a source of quality agricultural products was helping drive exports well beyond the US$1.9bn recorded in 2014, El Peruano reported.

'We must recognise that our country is positioned as one of the leading suppliers of fruit and vegetables in the world for its quality products and its wide variety,' she told the publication.

Deustua said that AGAP figures showed year-on-year growth for the January-May period of 13 per cent, driven by the EU and the US, while Asia continues to represent a growing market for shipments – particularly citrus, avocados and potentially table grapes.