Peru's food industry may grow 5% in 2017, mainly driven by the good performance of industrial fishing, which contributed to higher production of frozen items, Production Minister Pedro Olaechea projected Friday.
This performance also led to greater production of
fish meal and oil during the first half of the current year.
According to Olaechea, this sector may also benefit from the expansion of activities related to the production of vegetable oils, as well as the manufacturing of meat products and other food items.
Dynamic industry
The cabinet member pointed out
Peru's food industry saw an 8.8% increase between January and September 2017, from the same period last year.
During the aforementioned period, this sector contributed 20% to the country's manufacturing GDP.
"Despite the fact that Coastal El Niño phenomenon had affected the processing of canned fruits and vegetables, the sector made significant progress," Olaechea expressed.
"The
food industry is one of the most relevant sectors, not only because of its weight on the economy
, but also because it establishes links with other industries, as well as creates direct and indirect jobs […]," he explained.
It must be noted the food sector accounts for 3.3% of Peru's economy.
(END) JJN/JJN/JAA/MVB
Published: 12/8/2017