Peruvian pomegranates are proving increasingly popular overseas, especially in the Netherlands. According to food exporter Sierra Exportadora, pomegranate sales have increased by 97% in the first two months of this year compared to the 25% increase in the same period in 2015. This increase meant that Peru exported 4.2 million dollars’ worth of pomegranates during the first two months of this year.
One of the largest importers of these pomegranates is the Netherlands importing 67% of total exports. Other large importers of this fruit are Japan, UK, Russia, and Spain.
Sierra Exportadora is hoping to help small farmers become aware of the advantages of growing fruits like pomegranates instead of growing rice which require a vast amount of water. In addition to this Sierra Exportadora along with smaller institutions are providing training and seeds so farmers can make the best use of their land.
One of the main regions for the cultivation of this fruit is Lambayeque and began as a pilot program started by the Subsectorial Irrigation Program (PSI) and the Best Berries Peru SAC company. 500 seedlings were planted, the variety of this pomegranate is known as “Wonderful” and is one of the most popular varieties in the world due to its colour and sweetness.
Pomegranates are in high demand at the moment and companies such as Sierra Exportadora are hoping to take advantage of European markets where they are in the most demand.
Source: Fresh Plaza