Peru’s quinoa exports amounted to US$38.7 million after entering seven new markets in the period comprised between January and May, announced State-run Sierra Exportadora within the framework of Andean Grains' Day.
Top destinations for Peru's golden grain were United States, which accounted for 34.8% of total shipments, followed by the Netherlands (10.7%), United Kingdom (8.8%), Canada (7.9%), Italy (6.79%) and France (5.5%).
Peruvian quinoa entered seven new markets: Denmark, Greece, Puerto Rico, Lithuania, Bahrein, Jordan and Cape Verde.
Certification
This year, Industrial Agro Cabana Ltda Cooperative (Coopain-Cabana), based in San Roman province (Puno region), was granted a certification for 1,300 tons of organic black, red and white quinoa that will be exported to Europe, United States and Japan, according to Sierra Exportadora.
Cooperative's General Manager Abelardo Coila explained the said certification was issued by Kiwa BCS Öko-Garantie.
It will contribute to obtaining greater value for quinoa on the international market, above all in the European Union (EU), where products must be certified.
Kiwa BCS
Kiwa BCS aims to support serious organic agriculture. Control and certification is necessary to protect the serious producer, the consistent trader and the trusting consumer.
To assure independence Kiwa BCS is not a member of relevant organizations and associations, thus avoiding closer contacts to certified companies. Staff members have the obligation to follow the principles of impartiality, objectivity and neutrality.
Founded in May 1990 by Peter Grosch and Ernst Werner Schmidt, BCS Öko-Garantie GmbH has been licensed as a private inspection body for the purposes of implementing the EU Regulation on organic production since 11 May 1992.
It became one of Germany's first inspection bodies.
(END) MVM/JJN/AVV/MVB
Published: 6/30/2016