Peruvian pitahaya shows strong potential in foreign markets and continues to expand

The Peruvian pitahaya has a strong potential in foreign markets. Various projects are already being carried out with this crop along the entire coast, in areas such as Tumbes, Lambayeque, Piura, Chimbote, Trujillo, Huacho, Lima, Ica, Huaral, and Arequipa. Meanwhile, Cusco, Tacna, and Moquegua are also prospective.

The initiatives such as the "Proyecto Terra" on 500 hectares in Olmos show the ambition that exists with this product. Established companies such as Camposol innovate in transportation, as happened last March when they sent a first dispatch of 15 tons to Europe by sea.

According to data from Promperu, fresh pitahaya shipments saw a significant increase in value of 105.3% in 2022, reaching $18,168.

Worth to mention that in 2021 exports reached $8,841 and $6,752 in 2020.

However, these results are still lower than those achieved before the pandemic year. In 2019, the historical peak was achieved when exports abroad reached $59,337. This was a significant jump after reaching $10,433 in 2017 and $22,838 in 2018.

Currently, 12 companies work with this fruit and export to a total of 10 markets, with Germany, Italy, and Aruba being the top buyers in 2022.