News in Brief:
– Peru’s table grape exports to China decline by 20% in the 2023/24 season due to the impact of the El Niño phenomenon and regional production challenges.
– Local farmers faced income reduction and economic uncertainty as a result of decreased exports, highlighting the need for resilient strategies and market diversification in Peru’s agricultural sector.
In a recent report by Agraria.pe, it was revealed that Peru faced significant challenges in its table grape exports to China during the 2023/24 season. The country, grappling with the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, experienced a notable decline in both production and export figures.
To counteract the adverse weather conditions, Peruvian farmers opted for early harvesting, commencing as early as August instead of the usual schedule. This strategic move aimed to minimise losses and ensure a sufficient yield for sale. Consequently, harvesting concluded a month earlier than anticipated, by the end of November.
Export dynamics and market trends
The impact of adverse weather conditions varied across different regions of Peru. Northern areas like Piura and La Libertad bore the brunt, experiencing nearly a 30% decrease in production compared to the previous season. These regions, which contribute significantly to Peru’s total export volume, faced challenges due to high temperatures.
Despite an early start to exports, the supply shortage from late 2023 to early 2024 affected overall export volumes. However, there was a silver lining with a 23% increase in the average export price, partially offsetting the decline in volume. Notably, the United States remained the primary export destination, followed by the Netherlands and China.
The 20% decrease in table grape exports to China directly impacts local farmers in Peru. With China being a significant market for Peruvian grapes, this decline translates into reduced income and economic uncertainty for farmers relying on grape cultivation as a source of livelihood. Additionally, exporters such as Agrícola Don Ricardo S.A.C. and Ecosac Agrícola S.A.C. are likely to feel the effects of decreased export volumes.
