Peruvian capsicum exports will increase in the next 5 years after producers managed to obtain phytosanitary licenses to sell chillies and peppers to the US market.
According to the chairman of the Capsicum Committee of the Association of Exporters (ADEX), Renzo Gomez, capsicum exports currently exceed 250 million soles and expectations are they will increase by 60%, thanks to the opening of the American market.
"Previously, we could not sell to the United States because of the fruit flies. Now, we expect to increase foreign sales by more than 150 million soles per year," he said.
He also said Lambayeque was the main producing area of chilli peppers in Peru and its biggest exporter.
He stated that the North of Peru produced a lot of chillies and peppers, and that Lambayeque accounted for 70% of the plantations and harvest.
The main varieties grown in the areas of Olmos, Motupe, Jayanca and Zana (Lambayeque) are piquillo peppers and bell peppers, which are sold canned.
"Lambayeque has a very interesting offer of capsicum and we believe that this region will be the most important area accessing the American market," said Gomez. Additionally, he said the VI International Capsicum Convention would be held in Chiclayo, from September 30 to October 2nd.
