Peru is the main exporter of grapes in the world

In the last season —from October 2022 to March 2023— 71.4 million boxes of 8.2 kg of grapes were exported to the world, which placed the Peru as the largest exporter of this fruit in terms of volume. This result represented a 10% advance compared to the 2021-22 season, despite the social crisis and the El Niño Costero phenomenon, according to the Association of Agricultural Producers Guilds of Peru (AGAP).

In addition, the hectares cultivated with grapes grew 5% in the last year to 11,174 hectares; and the season closed with FOB US$ 1,499 million in shipments to the United States (46%), the Netherlands (13%) and China (8%), mainly. It should be noted that, from 2021, We are already the first exporter of this fruit in terms of valueaccording to the Association of Exporters (ADEX).

“We have had stoppages and demonstrations that had a direct impact in logistical terms. After the drop in shipments due to not being able to export, we had a considerable increase to make these shipments,” said Alejandro Cabrera, general manager of the association of Producers of Table Grapes from Peru (Provide).

Strengths and prevention

Despite social conflicts and an adverse environmental context, table grape production overcame obstacles. The increase in production areas and the development of infrastructure were the main factors that contributed to this achievement, according to ADEX.

“The production areas are also mainly on the coast, where there are greater channels or means of transport, mobilization, greater proximity to the ports for the destination markets,” said Claudia Solano, manager of Agroexportaciones of the union, in dialogue with La Republic.

Another factor is the articulated work with the National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) that allows grapes to increasingly enter new markets. There is an export potential to Japansince 26 varieties of grapes could enter this country from the next campaign that begins in October thanks to the elaboration of the phytosanitary protocol, says Solano.

Regarding the arrival of The boy and its impact on production, the specialist points out that it is uncertain, but that preventive measures must be taken, such as having alternate transportation routes and clearing rivers. “It is uncertain how much it will affect production, but the phenomenon is going to arrive and we have to be prepared”, she concluded.

White grapes are the favorite

shipments of white grapes Seedless are the ones that grew the most this season (29%), driven by the production of Ica (28%) and Piura (34%), which reached the United States, China, the Netherlands and Mexico.

They are followed by red grapes, also seedless (3%), where Piura (17%) sent more than Ica (-7%) this campaign. Sociedad Agrícola Rapel (12%), Ecosac Agrícola (7.4%) and El Pedregal (7.3%) were the main exporters of this fruit in the campaign. 2022-2023.