Peru set for record grape export season

Peru continues to consolidate its position as the world’s largest exporter of table grapes, with exports in 2022 set to reach new heights. According to a report by Agraria.pe, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Roberto Sánchez highlighted Peru’s excellent performance in table grape exports over the last couple of years and especially, in the first few months of this year.

“In 2021, Peru became the world’s biggest table grape exporter, overtaking Chile, China and the U.S., countries which, historically, have been leaders in table grape exportation,” said Sánchez. 

During the first three months of 2022, Peruvian table grape exports reached US$614 million, up 22% compared to the same period in 2021. Around 50% of exports from the regions of Ica, Piura, Lambayeque and La Libertad went to the US and a further 11% to Europe. 

At the start of the 21st century, Peruvian table grape exports were worth less than $20 million, but by 2021, they had reached $1.25 billion. By the end of 2022, exports are forecast to reach a new high of $1.4 billion.  

“Today, we are proud of grapes, they are the main product in our national agro-export basket,” said Sánchez.

“We will continue to promote their export through capacity-building, commercial promotion and access to new multisectorial markets.”

Seedless varieties such as Sweet Globe, Crimson, Sweet Celebration represented an estimated 70% of the export value of Peru’s fresh grapes in 2021.