Grapes: the Peruvian superfood that keeps on conquering the world

Small, but powerful. That’s grapes, a superfood which has not only conquered the Peruvian market thanks to its quality and flavor, but Peruvian production of this fruit is also positioned as one of the highest in the world.

It is important to note that Peru is considered to be the third biggest grape exporter in the world. On a regional level, it ranks as the 4th largest producer. 

Good news

According to a report issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), grapes were one of the most exported agricultural products during the first quarter of 2020, despite the global health emergency caused by COVID-19.

In March, the total number of exports reached US$ 18 million. Meanwhile, US$ 470 million were earned in the first three months of this year. Both results have been driven by strong demand for shipments to the United States, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.

Precious spheres

Grape crops are mainly found in Peru’s coastal regions: Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Áncash, Lima, Ica and Arequipa. Grapes are seasonally available from September to March.

Each sphere holds nutritional qualities: the most important is vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and strengthening bones. It also helps prevent osteoporosis and heart disease. Studies show that eating 5 ounces of grapes provides the body with 18% of this nutrient.

Added to this are minerals such as magnesium, which influences the proper functioning of the muscular and nervous system, and regulates blood sugar levels; iron, which is great for maintaining high hemoglobin levels and preventing anemia; and calcium, which is responsible for maintaining strong bones.

It also contains fiber, an invaluable ally to improve intestinal transit and prevent gastrointestinal diseases; and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.

Grapes can be eaten in their natural form – raw – but can also be found in jams and yogurts.

Other exported fruits

Sayuri Bayona, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, pointed out that, just like grapes, Peruvian avocado is another superfood that has triumphed in the foreign market during the first months of the year. During this period, the number of shipments totaled US$ 137 million.

It was also announced that thanks to the favorable behavior of shipments, Peru has managed to position itself as one of its main exporters worldwide. "We have become the world's second biggest exporter of avocados, with a total market share of 7%, and the world's third biggest exporter of grapes, with 10% of the total", notes the COMEX report based on data from Mincetur. 

The mango is another fruit that has also achieved positive results during this period. The number of exports reached a total of US$ 250 million. This scenario has been driven by the number of shipments made to the United States.

General details

The agricultural sector is one of the areas that has not shown a favorable scenario. The Mincetur report also revealed that – in general – during the first quarter of 2020, Peruvian fruit exports grew by 20% (US$ 1.016 billion, to be exact). And in March, 37% more (US$ 253 million) compared to the similar period last year. It is worth noting that fruit shipments account for half of the agricultural exports.

Fact: deputy minister Sayuri Bayona highlighted that exports in general will maintain their dynamism throughout 2020.

Sources: Andina/ Management/ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services