There is a great opportunity for Peruvian exports of fresh peppers to United States, and Peru can position itself as a major supplier, said the Association of exporters (Adex).
Patricia Fernan-Zegarra, general manager of Adex, noted that the work group Pro-Peppers, made up of companies in the sector, Adex and other public institutions, is trying to introduce these foods to the United States.
"The United States does not allow the entry of these products because the fruit fly is in some of the areas in Peru where they are grown, however, we have been working on their access and we are waiting for an answer from the US government," she said.
She also said that there is a consolidated industry of capsicum (peppers and peppers) in Peru with large plants and businesses, but that it’s necessary to optimize the production of these products, focusing on issues such as safety and innovation.
"We have a skilled workforce that allows us to have an increased productivity, in addition to other factors such as the country’s excellent climate, the availability of water in certain areas and the gestation of new water projects such as the case of Olmos and Majes Siguas II," she said.
During the launch of the Fourth International Convention of Capsicum, to be held on the 15 and the 16 of May in Birmingham, the economic crisis in countries such as Spain and the United States led to a 12.8 percent decrease in capsicum shipments in the first two months of the year amounting to some $20 million dollars.
She explained that the main causes affecting this item are the low demand due to the difficult international situation and China's intervention in the world market with a product with a better quality, as well as a lower production of paprika in some areas of the country.
All of which led to a 31.4 percent (nine million dollars) fall in shipments of dried capsicum, basically paprika, in the first two months the year, while the canned capsicum increased by ten percent due to the higher orders of red pepper on the part of Spain.
Shipments of fresh capsicum also increased by 303 percent, amounting to $222,000 dollars.
"The figures show that this area is one of the most afflicted by the ravages of the global crisis, which is why it is necessary that both the public and private sector work to recover the position already reached," she said.
In 2012 shipments abroad of capsicum amounted to USD 210 million, 14 percent less than in 2011 (245 million).
Source: Andina