Peru Red Globe grapes

Peru’s 2012/13 table grape season has got off to a positive start after the sector recorded a 152.2 per cent rise in sales value to US$32.7m during October, according to data from the Peruvian Exporters Association (Adex).

Exports have been boosted by a larger crop in the north of the country coupled with an increase in planted area in Ica, as well as the incorporation of new areas of production in Piura, Lambayeque and La Libertad, among others.

During October, Adex said sendings reached 27 markets across the world, which marked the inclusion of sales in 11 additional countries, such as Korea, Brazil, Norway, Canada and Venezuela, compared with the same period of 2011.

Exports this season, comprising primarily Red Globe grapes, began in October, compared with the usual late November start.

According to Adex, the bulk of the volume shipped in October was received by the Netherlands, which absorbed 22.6 per cent of the total, worth US$7.4m; followed by Russia with US$6.9m (or a 21.1 per cent share); and the US with US$4.7m (or 14.4 per cent).

Other markets of importance were the UK, which saw its arrivals rise by 71.3 per cent, Thailand, South Korea, China, Colombia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, among others.