The Complejo Agroindustrial Beta Company exported about 15,000 tonnes of grapes in the 2013/2014 season, 20% more than in the previous season, said CEO, Lionel Arce Orbegozo.
"Beta will export 200 containers of grapes from Piura and 600 from Ica. Each container stores 2,280 boxes and each box is 8.2 kilos. In sales, we have estimated obtaining U.S. $38 million for these shipments," he declared.
He pointed out that the company was exporting the following grape varieties: Redglobe, accounting for 85% of shipments, Thompson Seedless and Crimson Seedless. The Redglobe variety is mainly exported to China, Southeast Asia and parts of Europe. Meanwhile, the Seedless varieties are intended for England and America. The company hopes to increase their shipment to New Zealand.
Lionel Arce said that Piura's export campaign began in October and will end later this year, while, in Ica, exports of the Redglobe variety begin in December and the Seedless varieties in November (they all end in February).
In this regard, he said, the campaign is doing OK as the exported volumes are within normal limits and the prices are stable; however, they are lower in China, as the shipping season is just starting, he said.
"The fruits quality is appropriate. There were some rains in October that complicated things for a moment but, despite that, we're very happy with how we're doing this season. Another issue is that of the port of Paita, which continues to make us suffer, however, its infrastructure has improved," he said.
He also said that the agroindustrial company currently has 550 hectares of grape (taking into account the 100 acres that were installed this year and will begin producing in late 2014), and that the company has plans to plant 300 hectares of Redglobe and Seedless grape varieties, in equal proportions, next year in Piura.
