Peru grape exports will increase by 5% in 2019-20, according to a new estimate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In its annual fresh fruit report on Peru, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service said Peru’s total grape exports will reach 402,000 metric tons in 2010-20, up 5% from last season.
The USDA said the U.S. was the top export destination in 2018, accounting for 32% of Peru’s total exports. The U.S. was followed in importance by Netherlands with 20% and Hong Kong with 11% of Peru’s grape shipments, according to the release.
Peru’s fresh grape exports were valued at $811 million in 2018, with an average price of $2,706 per metric ton ($1.23 per pound) for grapes sent to the U.S. market. The U.S. average price for Peruvian grapes was 12% above the overall average export price received, according to the report.
Production rising
Grape production in Peru continues to climb and will reach about 648,000 metric tons in 2019-2020, a 3% increase compared with last season. The report said Peruvian grape production is fully recovered from the heavy rains of the 2017 El Niño and is expected to maintain an upward trend in the upcoming years. The report noted that Peru has a dry coast with over 12 hours of sunlight per day year-round. Those conditions make it an ideal region for grape production, the report said, allowing growers in Peru to mature vines 55% faster than in neighboring countries.
The USDA said Peru’s grape production is mainly located in Ica (41%) and Piura (22%), with total area under cultivation totaling more than 79,000 acres.
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