Peruvian Exports Achieve Cumulative Growth of Over US 3.3 billion to the UAE by the end of 2020
The Trade, Tourism and Investment Office of Peru in Dubai is pleased to mark its 10th year participation at Gulfood, the world’s biggest annual foodservice, hospitality and retail event. Gulfood is an opportunity for Peru to showcase some of the best of the country’s exportable offers, identify new business and share the country’s unique knowledge and ideas with local industry leaders.
Peru’s participation at Gulfood supports the continued growth of Peruvian food and beverage exports to the Gulf. Total exports to the UAE have increased 550-fold between 2011 and 2020 with an accumulated growth of over USD 3.3 billion. This strong performance is set within a wider context of robust export figures from Peru, despite the ongoing challenges. Peru’s total agricultural exports registered US 7.55 billion in 2020, a year-on-year growth of 6.7% from 2019. This figure was mainly drawn from fruit exports, representing US 4.061 billion, or a growth of 15%, which account for more than 50% of the total agro-exports. Peru is the world’s leading exporter of blueberries and, in 2020, grapes, blueberries, mangoes and tangerines all experienced uplift.
An interesting shift in 2020 was the increased demand for products offering medicinal properties known to prevent respiratory diseases, such as onions, garlic and ginger, the latter of which saw growth of 146%. This is believed to be tracked against the focus on wellbeing during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Gulfood has proven to be ‘the exhibition’ to further expand our trade into the region and highlight our presence as a sustainable food security participant,” said Alvaro Silva Santisteban, Director of the Trade, Tourism and Investment Office of Peru in the United Arab Emirates. He continues, “Unprecedented challenges have been a catalyst to refocus and thus reorient our sense of purpose which, day by day, is proving our ability to further adapt. Our sustainable agricultural exports are testament to this contribution and versatility.”
Fiorella Quiroz, CEO of Blue Market Foods, a Peruvian exhibitor at Gulfood said, “Gulfood is of huge strategic importance to our company. The show is a global sourcing platform, and the UAE is a strong market and a hub through which we can re- export to the region. We are excited to note that Gulfood is also our first “in person” event in almost 12 months.”
The Latin American nation boasts an abundant supply of natural resources. It is believed that the first potato and tomato took root in Peru, and the country is home to over 5,000 varieties of potatoes today. Peru has the greatest number of corn and chili varieties and is internationally renowned for its asparagus, mangoes, avocadoes, grapes, berries, beans and paprika, amongst others. Much of Peruvian produce appeals to conscious consumers and food enthusiasts due to the health boosting properties of goods such as Camu Camu, a natural fruit, Maca, a root high in vitamin C and Quinoa, which has double the protein content of any other cereal in the world. Additionally, Peru is also a bounty of fresh seafood, ranking first for biodiversity of fish, squid, scallops and mahi mahi. Showcasing the best produce the country has to offer, Peruvian exhibitors will proudly offer Gulfood visitors access to authentic Peruvian organic cacao, grains, seeds, juices, fresh produce, dehydrated products and dairy products.
