According to the Association of Exporters (ADEX), Peru's main non-traditional agricultural export in 2015 was the grape. Grape exports exceeded asparagus exports, which up to 2013 were the most demanded product, for the third consecutive year.
In 2015 fresh grape exports amounted to 699.1 million dollars, i.e. 8.82% over the sales in 2014.
The manager of Agriculture from ADEX, Giannina Denegri, said the grape had become the main product of Peruvian agricultural exports because of the increase in demand in Asia, especially since the Peruvian trade window coincides with the Chinese New Year.
30% of the campaign takes place in the first part of the year, while 70% of the grape exports occur in the second half.
Red Globe grapes
There currently is a trend in the consumer market. Asian countries are changing Red Globe grapes, which they consider is a product that has peaked, for seedless grapes. Demand for the Red Globe variety continues high in Europe.
Despite the increased demand from China, the United States is still the main market for Peruvian fresh grapes with 29% share, followed by the Netherlands with 12.75%.
The two regions that produce the most grapes in Peru are Ica and Piura, while the main exporters are El Pedregal, Sociedad Agricola Rapel, Complejo Agroindustrial Beta, and Agricultural Ecosac, among others.
Asparagus
Asparagus, which was the main non-traditional Peruvian agricultural export until 2013, currently ranks second. However, asparagus sales have dropped since China banned the Peruvian white asparagus from their market. Additionally, the asparagus crops have reached their production peak and there are delays in their renewal.
Peru used to export white and green asparagus varieties. Spain is Peru's main market for this vegetable in Europe and, despite having sold them both white and green varieties in the past, Peru is currently only selling Spain the green variety of this vegetable.
