Last 27. and 28. August of 2007 met in Ica-Peru, in the VIII International Symposium of table grapes, representatives from all parts of the world and from different stages at the value chain. The event organized by Provid (Association of Table Grape Growers from Peru) and Inform@cción (a consulting group) highlighted the technological advances to support the sector and the trends of the market in different parts of the world. As expected, Peru showed its advances and projections at the sub-sector. Fernando Cillóniz – President at Inform@cción made a presentation to explain how is the development of the table grapes industry in Peru.
With exports of around 2 mln dollars in 98/99, Peru increased to 55 million dollars approx in 2006/2007. According to customs, three firms concentrated between 2006/2007 almost 60% (16,000 tons approx.) of the total (28,000 tons approx.) exports of table grapes: El Pedregal, Sociedad Agrícola Drokasa and Complejo Agroindustrial Beta. The United Kingdom has been one of the main destinations since 98/99, but diversification now concentrates 70% of exports among US, Hong Kong, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and Indonesia.
Ica region in Peru, has been traditionally the main producer zone from Peru (95% of the campaign 2006/2007). In addition, there is production in Chincha (4%) and from the last campaign there are some new figures from Pisco (1%).
Further, Reg Globe is the main export variety (75%) followed by Flame Seedless (14%), Sugarone (7%) and other varieties (4%). The production peaks are between December and January taking advantage of counter season at the Northern hemisphere, where it is important to highlight Hong Kong as the major importing country in January 2007 (3,500 tons approx.).
New markets: China, India and Russia, but also new competitors: Brazil, stocks from US and fruit quality, require new ways of integration to the market. Mr. Cillóniz talk among others: mix of different colors and varieties (clamshell), innovation in individual packages, market segmentation (products for souvenirs and specialties) and taking advantage of fests at the end of the year. |
