According to the Peruvian Exporters' Association (Adex), the value of the exports totaled US$542,026 during the same period last year.

The United States continue to be the main export destination for Peru's national drink after sales increased by 210 percent year on year, from US$238,354 to US$738,070 in the period.

France ranked second with sales jumping 121 percent from a year ealier to 49,948 dollars between January and April 2011.

Chile and Japan came third and fourth despite exports to these countries dropped 46 percent and 18 percent, respectively.

Other export destinations included Spain, Germany, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and the Czech Republic; while Haiti, Malaysia, Nicaragua and Hong Kong opened their markets for the grape-based spirit during the period.

Peru's leading export companies were Destileria La Caravedo, Puro Peru, Viña Tacama, Agroindustrias LS, Agroindustrias Bodegas Santo Tomas, Qeros Peru, Compañia Destiladora del Peru and Viña Ocucaje, among others.

(END) JPC/JPC/LGV/EEP