10 June 2021
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Peru expects an increase in potato exports in 2021
PERU's Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) projects the country's potato exports could reach $ 5 million this year, according to a report in Fresh Plaza.
PERU, which recently held its 16th National Potato Day, could see its exports could reach $5 million this year, according to a report in Fresh Plaza.
Juan Miguel Quevedo, a specialist of the Midagri potato chain, within the framework of the ministry's "Papa Pa'Ti, Lo Bueno Se Comparte" campaign, said the country exported 815 tons of potatoesin 2019 and 17,160 tons in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We estimate Peru will export up to 18,000 tons of potatoes in 2021," he said.
According to Quevedo, US demand for Peruvian potatoes has grown, mainly for processed, precooked, and frozen foods, while European markets prefer native and processed Peruvian potatoes.
Quevedo also highlighted that Bolivia had become one of the main buyers of fresh potatoes produced in the regions of Puno, Arequipa, Cusco, and Apurimac. “Last year Bolivia purchased a record 16,000 tons of fresh potatoes from us for the industry to peel, freeze, and sell them to Bolivia's growing fast-food restaurant sector, as their local potato varieties have a lot of sugar content,” he said.
