Peru’s passion fruit exports set to reach US$84 million

Peru’s exports of passion fruit and derived products are forecast to reach nearly US$84 million in 2026, up 5% from US$79.9 million last year, with the increase expected to come from firmer international prices rather than higher volumes, according to the Association of Exporters (ADEX).

Processed products lead exports

Export volume is expected to remain close to its 2025 level. Last year, the sector recorded growth of 33.7%, supported mainly by shipments of passion fruit juice, concentrate and pulp.

Juice was the leading product, generating US$42.8 million and accounting for 54% of the total. Concentrate followed with US$22.4 million, or 28%, while pulp exports reached US$11.7 million and represented 15%.

New plants target higher yields

ADEX and Peru’s National Institute for Agricultural Innovation (INIA) are also working on new passion fruit selections with stronger commercial and agronomic characteristics.

INIA plans to distribute 60,000 grafted plants over the coming months. The programme aims to raise average productivity from around 15 tonnes per hectare to close to 40 tonnes, while improving fruit quality and resistance to pests and diseases.

Elkin Vanegas Murillo, president of ADEX’s Fruit and Vegetable Committee, said the work is intended to recover qualities valued in Peru’s native passion fruit, including a higher pulp content and greater sweetness. The target is to increase sugar levels from around 9–10 degrees Brix to more than 12 degrees Brix.

Fausto Asencio Díaz, director general of INIA’s Directorate of Research and Technological Development, noted that the introduction of different varieties has weakened some of the characteristics of the local crop. The joint research will therefore focus on improving consistency, industrial performance and suitability for export markets.

source and photo: adexperu.org.pe