Peruvian pomegranate exports fall 14% year on year

Pomegranate exports in Peru have experienced a decline in the 2023 season, falling from 49,023 to 42,378 tons, representing a contraction of approximately 14%, according to the Association of Pomegranate Producers of Peru (Progranada).

 

This decline is attributed to various factors, such as the fall in international prices, lack of access to new markets, increased labor costs, and the impacts of climate change. The outlook for the 2024 season is cause for concern.

 

The news for the agricultural sector in general forecasts the worst drop in the last 30 years, due to climatic anomalies caused by the El Niño phenomenon. Last year, high temperatures affected the phenological development of crops.

 

The areas destined for pomegranate exports have also experienced a significant contraction, going from over 3,000 hectares in 2022 to less than 2,400 hectares in 2023. Although pomegranate is currently exported to more than 30 markets, this has not prevented the decline in volumes, as demand is concentrated in a few markets, such as the Netherlands (56%), Russia (7%), Canada (6%), United Kingdom (6%), among others.

 

Progranada is working in collaboration with the National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa) to open new markets, including China, Korea, Japan, and Mexico, as well as to improve access to the United States. However, growth in export volume to the United States has been limited due to high logistical costs and quarantine treatments required, such as irradiation at destination.