Grapes, avocados, asparagus, citrus and pomegranates are well-known products from Peru. Roberto Falcone, general manager of Agroindustrias AIB, explains that these are the most important products of the company. “We export our products to five continents. Our most important buyers are America and Latin America, which are good for 45 per cent of sales, followed by Europe and the UK with a share of approximately 30 to 40 per cent. Other continents follow: Africa, Australia and Asia."
Four pillars
The Peruvian company was founded in 1987, and focuses on four pillars: Fresh, Frozen, Canned Products and Juices & Food Ingredients. “We have an area of 3,000 hectares in various parts of Peru, in the regions Chincha, Ica, Chiclayo and Sullana. Annually, we produce and trade about 70,000 tonnes of product. We also own the company AJJ, which is solely focused on grapes.”
Balance
Roberto indicates that they are one of the largest fruit and vegetable suppliers of Peru. “What sets us apart is that we supply our products in all kinds of forms: from fresh to frozen. Diversification is also a large advantage, because there is always a segment that does less well or very well annually. That is how we keep a good balance. In Europe, the Netherlands, Poland and Germany are important buyers. The UK is also a large buyer. It is remarkable that the Netherlands have so much demand for passion fruit juice and mango juice.”
Frozen mango
In the coming years, Agroindustrias AIB expects to grow in all segments. “We think it is important to continue to serve all pillars. Fresh is growing significantly in Peru, but for frozen and the other products we also see many opportunities. Customers increasingly see the benefit of diced mango that is supplied frozen. These were harvested when ripe, and immediately frozen, they are therefore ideal. Frozen mango sometimes tastes even better than fresh, because the fresh mangoes have to go on quite a journey, and are not harvested when ripe.”
