25 producers from the Association of Agricultural Producers Cuenca Del Tulumayo (Apactu), in the region of Junin, will export a total of 120 tons of passion fruit to the Netherlands in the remainder of the year thanks to the joint work of Sierra Exportadora, the Peruvian company Indigo Foods, and the Nature's Pride trading company, located in the Netherlands.
"The pilot shipment with the first 400 kilos of passion fruit, were shipped last weekend from Chacaybamba, district of Monobamba, province of Jauja, where the association is located. They were sent to Frio Aereo (Callao), from where they will leave for Holland," stated the CEO of Sierra Exportadora, Alfonso Velasquez Tuesta.
Tuesta said that this first shipment would be made through the articulating company Indigo Foods and Nature's Pride, a supplier of over 500 different types of fresh exotic fruits and vegetables from more than 70 countries.
"This first shipment opens a major commercial opportunity for small producers of passion fruit in Jauja, who can gradually position their product in the European market. This work can also be replicated with other associations from Junin, Oxapampa (Pasco), Querocoto (Cajamarca), and other areas producing passion fruit," Velasquez said.
Sierra Exportadora provided producers with technical assistance for the harvest, postharvest and packing of the products, as well as for the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which allowed them to obtain the Global GAP certification (which guarantees the quality and safety of the product).
"This certification is very important because the European markets demand it. Now the Association of Agricultural Producers Cuenca Del Tulumayo will be able to reach more destinations and to improve their income. This is an example of social inclusion," he said.
It's also worth noting that, the producers from Junin also received support from the district municipality of Monobamba, Junin's Regional Agrarian Directorate, and Senasa.
Exports
In 2015 Peru exported $98,442 dollars in passion fruit, i.e. 1.5% more than in 2014. Its main markets were the Netherlands, which accounted for 45% of total exports, followed by Italy (25%), Germany (9%), Canada (8%), Thailand and France (5%), and the United States and Spain (1%).
Sierra Exportadora is also working with the articulator company PLV International, to send Junin's passion fruit to Canada. In addition, they are introducing and adapting the gulupa (purple passion fruit) for the European market, as part of their product innovation strategy.
The export of Peruvian passion fruit has been increasing over the past three years, from US $75,465 in 2013 to $97,014 in 2014 and $98,442 dollars in 2015, according to information from Customs.
