The success of Peruvian grapes in the Japanese market

In March 2023, Japan gave the green light to the protocols that allowed the entry of Peruvian table grapes into its territory, approving access to 26 varieties of this fruit. 

 

During that year, Peru carried out a pioneering promotional campaign for table grapes in one of Japan's most prominent supermarkets, representing the first collaboration between the public and private sectors in this market.

 

The Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade of Mincetur, Teresa Mera Gómez, shared that Japan, in 2022, imported fresh grapes from various origins for more than $100 million, the main suppliers being Chile, the United States, Australia and Mexico. Despite the demand for quality from Japanese consumers, Peru, as the world's leading exporter of table grapes, generated positive expectations in this market.

 

In 2022, Peruvian exports of fresh grapes exceeded $1.34 billion, reaching more than 50 markets, with the United States and the Netherlands as main destinations. Between January and November 2023, table grape exports reached $1,294 million, showing an impressive growth of +37%, despite climatic, political and social challenges.

Access to the Japanese market has been a significant achievement, with exports to Japan amounting to almost $6 million between September and November 2023. The outlook for increasing this figure is promising, according to Teresa Mera Gómez.

 

Fernando Albareda Del Castillo, Economic Trade Advisor at OCEX Tokyo, noted that to date, 2,450 tonnes of this fruit have been shipped to Japan, with continuous shipments until the conclusion of the 2023/2024 season in March. A total of 17 Peruvian and 18 Japanese companies are involved in the export and import of grapes from Peru to Japan, covering 14 of the 26 authorised varieties.

 

The window of opportunity for Peru in Japan opens from September to February, as other suppliers such as Chile, Australia and the United States do not export during this period. It was highlighted that Peru will carry out a Peruvian table grape tasting campaign in 30 supermarkets in Tokyo on 3 and 4 February, with the support of Mitsui Foods and PromPerú.