The Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex) claims the South American nation has the potential to become the world’s largest Capsicum (chilli and bell) pepper supplier.
Peru is already the biggest exporter of paprika to the international market and Adex believes the same position can be achieved for peppers by improving coordination between industry players and fine-tuning efforts to access potential markets.
“Pepper products have great potential since overseas demand isn’t stopping,” commented Adex’s Pepper Committee chairman, Jorge Chepote, in a press release from the organisation.
European importers are increasingly noting the potential for Peru to become an important supplier of counter-seasonal peppers.
With sales struggling over the past couple of years due to falling consumer demand, the importance of sustaining that demand by retaining sales momentum during the off season has grown.
A number of Dutch importers, among them Hillfresh, Cool Fresh and The Greenery, are already understood to be working on pepper import programmes from Peru.
“This helps us because we’re focusing on year-round supply of peppers,” confirmed Hillfresh director Hans van den Heuvel.
Peruvian chilli and bell peppers are mainly exported to Spain, Mexico and other countries, according to Adex.
In 2010, the association established Pro Peppers – an association focused on gaining the phytosanitary clearance to access the US market.
Peppers represented Peru’s third-largest export item in value terms last year, after coffee and asparagus.
Between August 2011 and June 2012, Mr Chepote said planted area with peppers in Peru will “very likely” reach 8,500ha.
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