In addition, Peru's leading exporter associations, Agap, Apem, Ipeh, ProCitrus, ProHass, ProVid, plus the newer ProArándanos and ProGranadas will all be represented by the Peru Trade and Investment Office in the UK on the Peru stand at the second edition of the annual trade fair and conference, which takes place on 3-5 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
During the seminar, Jaime Cardenas, director of Peru's Trade and Investment Office in the UK, will present a detailed overview about why buyers should source from Peru, followed by a question and answer panel featuring Rob Cullum of Peruvian produce import specialist Pacific Produce and Mark Bradnum, who represents Peruvian fruit suppliers including CPF (Consorcio de Productores de Fruta) and Coexa.
To register your interest in this special seminar, please notify your attendance by email.
“Peru has an expanding agricultural frontier thanks to mega irrigation projects in the last 30 years that have considerably increased our cultivated land, yields and the prospects for production,” explains Cardenas.
“Peru is also blessed with 82 of the 111 climates in the world and ranks as one of the 17 megadiverse countries with coastal, tropical and desert conditions. Our producers can grow almost anything and they enjoy high yields across a range of fruits and vegetables.”
With the market hot for Peruvian cuisine as more and more consumers experience the exciting flavours offered by Peruvian gastronomy, Peruvian exports to the UK during the first quarter of 2015 have risen by 20% in value compared with the previous year, according to Agap.
Total shipments this year are expected to grow at the same rate as 2014 when Peru’s agricultural exports to the UK rose by 8.7% to US$199 million (£132 million), up from US$183 million (£122 million) in 2013.
Table grapes, asparagus, mandarins, clementines, avocados, mangoes, peas, pomegranates, chillies and squash currently rank among the leading export items to the UK but there is potential for so much more, according to Cardenas.
“There are many products that are currently exported to Europe which have the potential and the market access to be supplied to the UK too,” he reveals. “Peruvian cuisine is in fashion today and we should to take advantage of the current market circumstances.”
Untapped opportunities in second-tier markets
Peru's food industry is particularly eager to target untapped opportunities for its speciality and niche products within the UK’s and Ireland’s wholesale and foodservice scene.
“There are many smaller volume products that the UK and Ireland can source from Peru, like ginger and exotics such as cherimoya and granadilla, among other non-fresh ranges like canned peppers and artichokes,” Cardenas reveals.
“Many Peruvian suppliers know the big importers in the UK, so it’s time to to go the next level and get to know the wholesalers and foodservice operators. We’d love to meet with the traders at New Spitalfields Market and New Covent Garden Market in London, as well as other regional markets in the UK and Ireland.”
Although the Peru Trade and Investment Office is still a fairly new enterprise, its role is integral to developing new trade links between Peru and the UK by acting as both a source of information and a business matchmaker.
“We’re here to help grow Peru’s trade with the UK," points out Cardenas. "We can provide information about Peru, about working with our suppliers and also investing in our country. We have all the contact details too.”
Discover Peru first-hand
Any buyer from the UK and Ireland who is keen to find out about Peru’s diverse and top quality produce offer can take advantage of the opportunity to visit Peru this year to learn more first-hand.
The Peru Trade and Investment Office in the UK is currently offering a limited number of spaces on its buyer programme to visit the country and attend the region’s biggest food trade show Expoalimentaria Perú in Lima on 26-28 August this year.
Already, 15 British companies have secured their place for this unique opportunity to visit Peru and attend and Expoalimentaria Perú. Meetings will be held with the relevant suppliers and field trips can be arranged to see production.
Meet us at the London Produce Show 2015!
Peru will exhibit at the London Produce Show and Conference on 3-5 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Come and visit us at Stands 215 and 314 to see first-hand our exciting range of Peruvian fresh fruits and vegetables, and to find out more about sourcing from Peru. We hope to meet you there!
