Peruvian quinoa exports doubled last year to US$196 million and its cultivation is expanding in different highland and coastal regions of the country, noted the Ministry of Agriculture and Risk (Minagri).
Announcement was made by Minagri’s Director-General of Agricultural Business, Marco Vinelli, who said Puno region currently accounts for 35% of the national production.
“Quinoa exports have doubled in the past few years; last year, exports totaled US$196 million compared to the nearly US$80 million recorded in 2013,” he told Andina news agency.
In terms of production growth, figures show an increase from 55,000 tons in 2013 to more than 112,000 tons in 2014.
The government official went on to add that about 140,000 tons are expected to be produced in 2015 at a national level.
When asked about national quinoa’s main export markets, his response was: “the United States, Canada and Europe.”
(END) JCR/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 2/25/2015