07:53 | Lima, Jan. 15 (ANDINA).
China, the world’s most populous nation, will present one of the largest export opportunities for the Peruvian table grape industry in 2014.
Over the year to come, Peru expects to climb the ranks as an exporter and take the number two spot as a table grape supplier in China, said Miguel Galvez, general manager of the Peruvian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (Capechi).
"The world market for table grapes is 4.4 million metric tons (MT), representing US$8.5 billion – 11% of this market is consumed by China and Hong Kong, which are increasing their share every year," Galvez was quoted as saying by Freshfruitportal.com.
“In 2013, they imported US$870 million, putting them in second place after the United States.”
According to the Capechi general manager, Peru has exported a total value of US$320 million in grapes to Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, equivalent to 135,000MT.
“In 2013, exports to China bordered US$40 million, which represents 25% growth. In Hong Kong, they reached US$33 million, with a 35% drop.”
Currently Peru takes the number three spot as the most important table grape supplier to China, but Galvez said they are working to climb the ranks.
"We are currently third as a supplier to China. We are on our way to displace the United States in 2014 and take the second spot, behind Chile," he said.
(END) INT/EEP
Published: 1/15/2014