Even though Peruvian fresh capsicum exports account for the lowest share of pepper and chili pepper shipments (only 5%), it is the format that has grown the most in recent years, mostly due to its entry into the United States.
This was stated by the chairman of the Capsicum Committee of the Association of Exporters (ADEX), Renzo Gómez Moreno, who stressed that the requirement to ship fresh peppers and chili peppers to the United States is that these have been grown in mesh greenhouses. Therefore, in order to give a boost to these shipments, the use of mesh greenhouses will have to increase in the Peruvian coast.
Renzo Gómez stressed that in a normal agricultural basket, fresh produce plays the biggest role. Consequently, he expects fresh capsicum to represent at least 30% of all capsicum exports within 15 years, with Peruvian chili peppers playing a fundamental role.
Diversification of the supply
The representative of the ADEX Capsicum Committee stated that in 2017, the value of Peruvian pepper exports totaled US $ 5 million, and this year, they expect to reach US $ 6 million. The growth is basically sustained by the greater shipments of Rocoto, Yellow and Mochero chili peppers.
"What we are looking for is to further diversify the supply of Peruvian peppers and grow progressively over the years," he said.
He recalled that in order to promote Peruvian peppers, it is essential to link them to the gastronomy. He cited Mexico's example, a country that managed to introduce its peppers in the world thanks to Mexican cuisine, in which Jalapeño peppers are the most popular.
Longer shelf life needed
Renzo Gómez also said that Peruvian fresh capsicum could be shipped to Europe; however, research is needed to extent the shelf life of these products, because the shipment by sea to the Old Continent lasts no less than 20 days.
Regarding the Asian market, he said that although no phytosanitary protocol has been signed yet with countries in this continent (access is granted by each country individually), there is a great potential for Peruvian peppers. However, extending the shelf life would also be a barrier to overcome in this case.
Source: agraria.pe