Peru's pomegranate exports have been affected by the social unrest in the south of the country. “In 2022, Peruvian pomegranate exports were 64% higher than in 2021. However, in the first five weeks of 2023, Peru only exported a total of 697 tons; that is, 74% less than what it shipped in the same period of 2022," according to a report from Fresh Fruit.
“The drop in pomegranate shipments was mainly due to the blockades in the south of the country because of the social conflict in Peru. It's a very serious problem because the main exporters of this product are located in this area,” the report of the Peruvian consultancy highlights. "Agroinca Productos Peruanos de Exportación S.A. and Fundo América S.A.C., decreased their shipments by 44% and 87%, respectively, compared to 2022. Exportadora Frutícola del Sur S.A. has not yet registered shipments so far this year, despite having exported 305 tons in the same period of last year."
84% of the volume shipped so far this year was exported through the port of Callao (584 tons); however, this was 75% lower than the 2,343 tons shipped in 2022. Exports through the port of Paita also decreased to just 103 tons so far in 2023, i.e. 70% less than last year.
“Peruvian pomegranate exports to the Netherlands and the United States have been the most affected in 2023. Only 522 tons have reached the Netherlands; that is, 78% less than last year. In turn, the North American country has only imported 54 tons, i.e. 43% less than in 2022. Meanwhile, other destinations -such as Germany- have increased their imports so far this year by up to 12 times over the same period of the previous year.
Source: freshfruit.pe