First shipment sent from Ica to the US, signalling the launch of the new season
Ica has shipped a consignment of 15,580 tonnes of table grapes to the US, marking the official launch of Peru’s 2026/27 export season.
Ica accounts for around half of the country’s shipments, with Piura and Lambayeque responsible for 35 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. Last season, Peru exported a total of 729,000 tonnes of grapes to 98 international markets, including the US, Europe, Mexico, China and Canada.
Peru has established itself as the world’s leading grape exporter, above Chile, the US, and Italy. The Ministry of Agriculture puts the sector’s export growth down to varietal innovation, logistical efficiency, climate adaptation, and access to new markets.
About 50 varieties are produced in the Ica Valley, including Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, Ivory, Timpson, Sweet Celebration, and Candy Dreams. During the previous season, Senasa certified 351,304 tonnes of grapes from this region for export to 44 markets.
Last week, industry association Provid issued its second forecast for 2026/27, projecting a crop of 78.7mn (8.2kg) cartons. This represents a 9 per cent decrease compared to the previous season, based on data from week 39 and is slightly down on the initial estimate of 82.65mn cartons.
The association reported that the northern region projects a volume of 27.8mn cartons –28 per cent down on the previous season – due to a harvest that is up to three weeks early for some varieties and lower cluster weights, linked to lower berry weights.
