Peru's country brand and superfoods potential have positioned it as one of the top exporters with more possibility to grow worldwide thus contributing to exports, labour and economic development. Also, the growing reputation of Peru’s culinary culture has marked an increase in non-perishable superfoods produced and packaged locally, increasing the attraction and marketability of the products.
Peru possesses outstanding landscapes of aesthetic beauty that combine agricultural biodiversity, resilient ecosystems and a valuable cultural heritage. Andean agriculture is one of the best examples of the knowledge of the farmers and their adaptation to an environment for more than 5,000 years. The nutritional values of the ancient grains make them popular in the diet not only during the ancient times but also in the modern times, wherein residents from more than 35 countries are convinced of its health benefits. Quinoa, canihua, sacha inchi and white giant corn are recognised because of their exceptional balance of proteins, fat, and starch, as well as their high amount of essential amino acids and nutraceutical properties.
On one hand, quinoa has the ten essential amino acids for the human body. It is gluten-free and ideal for consumption by those who are diabetic, celiac and vegan. In addition, it is known to strengthen our immune system, provide high quantities of proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals.
On the other, Peru’s native fruits are tasty, and can boast of exotic flavours. They are often found to be a part of the daily diet in various forms, both fresh and processed. They can be commonly found to be included in desserts or liquors, or even as supplements for diets rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The goldenberry, blueberry, camu camu, chirimoya, and lucuma that grow in the Amazon and at the foot of the Andes mountain range prevent diseases while melting in the mouth.
Lucuma is the quintessential Peruvian fruit. Very versatile in terms of its various forms of presentation and consumption. It may be consumed in a powder form - an ideal format to prepare a lucuma and blueberry smoothie. Lucuma is also a great energizer given the high levels of carbohydrates it provides, in addition to being a good antioxidant that prevents cellular damage to the muscles. It is an ideal choice for people who lead an active lifestyle and practice some sort of sports on a daily basis.
Our country has a wide variety of Andean sweet peppers and the highest variety of chili peppers in the world. These peppers are very rich in nutrients that are essential to human health, and they also add exquisite flavour and depth to our internationally renowned cuisine. Today, more and more people around the globe are craving spicy food, and Peru aims to promote these products and set itself up as a powerhouse for healthy, biodiverse and sustainable produce.
Prized by pre-Hispanic cultures for their high nutritional value, exquisite flavour and exotic aroma, super native chili peppers are a low-calorie food, made up of 90 per cent water. They also have large doses of capsaicin, the substance found in the capsicum family (a genus of flowering plants). This compound makes peppers hot and is also a painkiller and blood thinner, ideal for people at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, a diet that includes peppers helps alleviate arthritis pains and stimulates the nervous system because peppers cause the body to release endorphins (compounds linked to satisfaction and well-being). The vegetable also regulates blood sugar levels, making it an effective partner in treating diabetes, and is a bactericide, eliminating stomach bacteria and decreasing the chance of stomach illnesses.
Known to the Andean population for generations, the considerable health benefits and medicinal properties of Andean roots and tubers are now beginning to attract the interest of a wider audience. They are all good sources of starch, vitamin C, and calcium. Others are potentially guard against cancer, boost the immune system, reduce cholesterol levels in the body and enhance the libido. Mesquite, yucca, sweet potato and yacon are all said to contain these properties, but maca probably the most famous of them all.
Maca is something of a unique, wonder-crop. The only Cruciferae known to have been domesticated in the Americas, it is found only in Peru, growing at altitudes over 4,000 meters, where no other crop gives reliable yields. Considered by the pre-Columbian cultures as a gift from the gods, the chroniclers of the conquest wrote in their books that this root was a sacred food destined for the Inca royalty and for the warriors of the empire troops because of its ability to elevate vitality and physical strength. Maca is available as a health food pill, powder, or liquid – great to restore your energy with a natural drink.
Last but not least, Peru produces vegetables that meet the highest quality requirements of the international fresh produce markets: flavour, colour, consistency and aroma. Among the vegetables, the stand-outs are white and green asparagus, processed under high standards, in addition to conserved artichoke, red pepper and paprika.
Peru is world's largest asparagus exporter today. Asparagus contains large amount of fibre, which makes it very suitable in chronic constipation. It has diuretic properties and thus, is recommended in cases of hypertension. Asparagus is one of the main sources of glutathione and this nutrient has the property of helping the immune system and recycling antioxidants.
Presence in the Asian market
In Peru, the sustained economic growth of the last decade has helped increase the export capacity of value-added products. The country has become an international benchmark in the production of agri-food products in recent decades and is the world’s biggest exporter of cranberries, asparagus and quinoa; the second biggest exporter of mandarins; the third of avocados, and the fifth of table grapes.
In this regard, Peru is currently one of the world’s top ten suppliers of fresh fruit and vegetables. Asia is the third largest market for Peruvian agri-food exports, accounting for 9% of the agri-food industry.
Now, this trend is expanding: in 2020, the value of exports of processed foods by Peru reached USD 667 million, 4.8 per cent more as compared to 2019. Regarding the export volume, shipments reached 360,000 tons during 2020, 6.8 per cent more as compared to the same period last year. It is worth mentioning that consumers are slowly shifting towards packaged and prepared foods, as the risk of contamination decreases significantly, by increasing the lifespan of the product.
Markets such as China, South Korea, India and Japan are already in the list of Top 10 destination markets for Peruvian agri-food exports. However, the public and private sectors in Peru are continuing to work together to expand access to Asian markets for more Peruvian products.