Peruvian avocado and mango conquer France
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Peruvian food products continue to flourish in Europe’s most important markets. Now, they are taking French shelves by storm.
According to information released by the specialized platform Fresh Fruit Peru, France has surrendered itself to Peruvian fruit, famous for its exquisite flavor and high vitamin content.
During the first half of 2020, France recorded a total of US$ 3,235 million in fruit imports. US$ 92 million of that total amount was provided by Peru.
This figure is 1% higher than that achieved during the same period in 2019.
One more fact. High demand for Peruvian shipments has led the country to position itself as the eighth largest exporter of fruit to this European country.
Top imports
Peruvian fruits are booming in the French market and of these, the avocado – with a 43% share – stands out, followed by mangoes – which accounted for 33%.
"As regards the avocado, France imported US$ 40 million of this Peruvian fruit over the first semester of this year, 24% more than in 2019. And in the case of the mango, the country imported US$ 31 million, 33% more," revealed the website.
The use of these ingredients is vital for the preparation of many of the country's dishes, such as clafoutis, a delicious dessert made with mango (and strawberries) and salade avocat et crevettes, a fresh and delicious salad made with shrimp and avocado.
Tasty and nutritious
Both superfoods are beneficial to health. Take note.
Avocados, whether of the Hass or Fuerte varieties, contain minerals such as calcium, which keeps bones and teeth strong; iron, which prevents the appearance of anemia; and magnesium, which has a beneficial effect on the nervous and muscular systems.
They contain zinc, a mineral that acts as an immune system booster, as well as natural fats that provide energy to the body. Avocados also contain vitamin B9 (known as folic acid), which aids pregnant women in reducing the probability of the fetus developing malformations during the gestation period.
It won't be long before the land of the Incas is the world champion of the avocado. According to data from the Foreign Trade Society of Peru (COMEX), the South American country is the second supplier of avocado in the world.
As for the mangoes, they are soft, juicy and full of nutrients. Their DNA contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that aids vision, repairs cell damage and prevents asthma symptoms.
It also has generous doses of fiber and potassium, which help prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin A is also present in this fruit, which is great for maintaining healthy skin.
Mangoes are performing quite favorably in terms of overseas shipments. Peru ranks as the fourth largest exporter of mangoes worldwide, predominantly exporting the Haden, Tommy Atkins, Kent (fresh) and Edward (frozen) varieties.
Between 2019 and 2020, the export of Peruvian mangoes in all their shapes and sizes exceeded US$ 295 million, according to data from the Exporters Association (Adex).
Consolidated in the market
The agricultural sector is one of the strongest in Peru, despite the effects of the ongoing health crisis caused by COVID-19.
A little less than two months ago, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) announced that between January and May 2020, fruit shipments abroad reached US$ 414 million. This amount was 11.6% higher than that achieved during the same period in 2019.
Among the products that stood out most were grapes ($451 million, with an increase of 26.5%), mangoes ($329 million, with an increase of 26.8%) and avocados ($328 million, with an increase of 7.1%).
"Despite the difficult situation, we have not stopped exporting fruit to the top international markets. This is due to the global demand for food, along with the implementation of agreements and the efforts of Peruvian business people to promote the entry of our exportable products into the markets," said the Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade, Sayuri Bayona.
Sources: Fresh Fruit, Andina/ US National Library of Medicine/ Cookpad/ La Cocina Francesa