Increase in shipments in first four months of the year reflect the fruit’s growing popularity with European consumers
Peruvian dragon fruit exports grew 10 per cent in volume and 4 per cent on value year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, reaching 620 tonnes and US$1.2mn respectively.
The figures, reported by Fluctuante, show the fruit’s growing presence in Peru’s export basket, reflecting its increasing popularity with international consumers.
Exports reached 11 countries, with Europe taking more than 90 per cent of the total shipment volume. Spain was the leading buyer, importing 362 tonnes, or just over 55 per cent of the total exported volume. Shipments to this market were up 40 per cent year-on-year, driven by consumer preference for exotic, healthy products with high nutritional value.
Other notable markets include the Netherlands, which took 190 tonnes worth US$393,000 and the UK with 38 tonnes worth US$68,000. Canada took 12 tonnes of dragon fruit worth US$21,000.
Fluctuante noted that the sector’s expansion potential still faces significant challenges. To strengthen the competitiveness of Peruvian pitahaya exports against countries with a more developed industry, it said improvements need to be made in quality standardisation and productivity levels. It also flagged up greater mechanisation of cultivation, stronger agronomic research, and improved post-harvest handling practices as essential for the sector’s future success.
“These aspects will be crucial to sustaining growth and consolidating the presence of Peruvian fruit in international trade,” Fluctuante said.
