Peru: Junin expects berry exports to increase by 300%

Raquel Sedano, head of the headquarters of Sierra Exportadora in Junin, stated that at the opening o…

Raquel Sedano, head of the headquarters of Sierra Exportadora in Junin, stated that at the opening of the International Berry-Regions Seminar 2016 that Junin's berry exports could grow by more than 300% and exceed $200,000 dollars by 2018.

To achieve that, she said, more investment is needed, as well as solving a pending agenda, which includes logistical difficulties and under capitalization of farmers that hinders the productive restructuring process and incorporating value activities in the field.

She also stated that Junin (Tarma) had 80 hectares of aguaymanto, 1 hectare of raspberries, and 2 hectares of blueberries. There are also home garden cherry crops that could be extended.

According to Customs, of all the berry varieties, Junin exports aguaymanto.

In 2015, Junin was the sixth biggest exporter of aguaymanto at the national level, after Lima (72% of total), La Libertad, Lambayeque, Cajamarca, and Cusco. Junin accounted for 3% of total shipments abroad.

Last year, Junin exported aguaymanto to Germany, UK, South Korea, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Chile. According to Raquel Sedano, Germany and the Netherlands could buy more aguaymanto and they could also start selling to other markets, such as Spain and France. However, to achieve this, she considered it vital to solve the problems faced by producers.

She recalled that Sierra Exportadora's goal was to promote Andean business through the Peru Berries program through courses, national and international seminars, training for producers, entrepreneurs and innovators, independently and in partnership with regional governments and private companies.

Sierra Exportadora believes that, because of its characteristics (its climate, soil, and temperature, among other things), Junin could grow larger volumes of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and blackberries.