Speculation and droughts drive a kilo of garlic to more than S/40

As warned at the beginning of the year, garlic prices soared in all markets after the main producing region, Arequipa, saw a decline in its supply due to problems with rainfall for cultivation, the appearance of pests and small bulbs.

From August 5th to date, the price of garlic in its Creole (napuri) and purple varieties has had a significant increase, above S/30 per kilogram, according to the Price and Supply System (SISAP).

The rise has been progressive. The retail price of Creole garlic was quoted this Friday, August 9, at S/39.50 per kilogram, well above the average of S/16.43 in January and S/25.36 in July, according to official data.

Speculation surrounding the product has led some vendors to choose not to sell garlic or to offer it for S/50 per kilogram. The markets in the White City themselves are suffering from a shortage of garlic, a basic ingredient in the basic family basket in Peru.

“It is expected that in the coming weeks the supply of products can be normalized with larger harvests, and in this way meet the requirements of merchants and consumers who have been affected,” said the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri).

Exports in red

Similarly, the reduced availability of garlic in Peruvian fields has had a knock-on effect on exports. The first half of the year ended with the shipment of 1,829 tons worth US$2.5 million, a 65% reduction in volume and 59% in value compared to the 2023 season.

The drop in shipments was aggravated by Prices on the global garlic market did not improve eitherHowever, it should be noted that exports correspond to the previous season, so the November campaign could precede a 10% increase in volume and 4% in value in the annual cumulative, according to the specialized portal Fresh Fruit.

The key

● Chacra. Apart from garlic, the supply of basic products exceeded 9,000 tons of fruits and vegetables, with the largest offers of carrots, green peas, lemon, mango, melon, pineapple, among others.

Source: Larepublica

You may also like

Immediate Access Pro