14:51 | Andahuaylas (Apurimac region), Feb. 8.
Associate producers from Peru's southern Apurimac region have sent their first shipment of quinoa and chia to Italy, the Exports and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru) informed Thursday.
The shipment was coordinated by Cooperativa Agroindustrial Machupicchu (Peru) and Cooperazione Terzo Mondo (CTM) Altromercato (Italy).
According to PromPeru, the sale was a result of Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry's efforts, through its Milan-based Trade Office (Ocex Milan).
The Apurimac-based agricultural cooperative is composed of 500 local families devoted to the cultivation of
quinoa,
kiwicha, chia, and
tarwi.
The organization has implemented good corporate governance and agricultural practices in their crops, with the advice of Italian NGO Cesvi.
On the other hand, CTM Altromercato is the largest fair trade store chain in Italy with more than 260 sale points and an annual turnover exceeding US$50 million. It works in 45 countries with 155 producers, 60,000 artisans, and more than 430,000 farmers.
Thanks to the support of PromPeru and Ocex Milan, CTM Altromercato's imports from Peru grew 60% in the last three years, totaling US$4.5 million in 2017.
The Italian organization will increase imports of Peruvian products like
mangos,
avocados, pineapples,
blueberries, panela, chestnuts, quinoa, special coffees, pepper, teas, energy bars, garments, and handicrafts.
(END) NDP/MAO/JAA/RMB
Published: 2/8/2018