According to the head of the Association of Citrus Producers from Peru (ProCitrus), Sergio del Castillo Valderrama, mandarins and blueberries are two of the products that Peru has stated will be among its priorities when negotiating an FTA with India.
He said India was very willing to negotiate phytosanitary protocols, so much so that the Peru is expecting that a delegation from India's health authority will visit the country in May or June this year to advance these issues and finalize negotiations over some products that are not sensitive for them.
"They have not expressed any sensitivity to citrus and blueberry products. They are producers of citrus, but their production takes place in the counter season and they don't necessarily produce mandarins. Additionally, they don't produce blueberries," he said.
He also said that two mandarin varieties had potential in India and throughout Asia. "India knows the Satsuma variety, which is widespread in Asia, as it's marketed in Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan, among other places; it's a fruit that they know and is well accepted. We also think that the W. Murcott variety will consolidate in that market and in Asia."
He said the W. Murcott variety's characteristics were very well suited for this market because it could be transported long distances and arrive in good condition at its destination. In addition, he said, it's the variety with the biggest production growth in Peru. "Export of this variety will increase as there will be more production available in the future."
Regarding blueberries, Del Castillo, who is also the general manager of the Association of Blueberry Producers from Peru (ProArandanos), said that, even though India didn't produce blueberries they knew the product, which could be found in Indian supermarkets, but had little penetration in that market.
"However, the global demand for blueberries is on the up because of their health benefits and great antioxidant properties, among other benefits, and the Indians are also interested in healthy food," he said.
