The chairman of the Pisco Committee at Adex, José Miguel Poblete, said that more pisco producing companies are pursuing the internationalization of their products investing in market research and promotion, and participating in trade missions and international fairs.

"In recent months, we have closed sales with neighboring countries like Colombia, which is becoming one of our main customers," he said.

He stated that due to economic problems in Europe; France, one of the largest buyers, has reduced their purchases.

"Our companies have been awarded with gold and silver medals at renowned competitions and we hope these awards help them when entering new markets, however we expect the situation in the European bloc is reversed in the short term," he said.

In 2011, pisco shipments totaled US$ 3.9 million, 93 percent more than the amount reached in 2010, when it was two million dollars, while in 2009 the amount was US$1.3 million, 11 percent less than in 2008.

Poblete said that pisco exports are expected to grow 30 percent by the end of the year, despite the European crisis.

(END) LVT/LVT