Agro-food sector
Because of the multitude of climate zones and differences in altitude, Peru possesses the characteristics to produce a wide range of agricultural products. In the past 20 years, Peru has become a leading country in gastronomy. This development goes hand in hand with the cultivation of superfoods and the ‘discovery’ of new superfoods. It is expected that this development will steadily continue because of an increasing global demand for sustainable food products, paired with increased agricultural production in Peru. This development offers great opportunities for small producers to offer niche products or products with an 'origin'. 2017 saw USD 876 million in agricultural products being exported, with agricultural imports worth $66 million. Here is an opportunity to integrate more small producers in market conformity into the economy and modernization/sustainability, as well as the opportunity for the export of more sophisticated Dutch technology and knowledge in the agriculture sector.
The government of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has identified the agricultural sector as a priority and has set the following goals for their mandate: increasing agricultural competitiveness, integrating small scale farmers into the market and increasing sustainable farming. Besides horticulture, Peru is also a major player in the fishing industry. 9% of all fish worldwide are caught in Peruvian waters. Here relatively little value is added as the majority of it is processed into fishmeal. In addition, there is fish farming which, however, is still relatively modest in size but seems to have great potential. Peru also has a sizeable and capital extensive poultry sector. This sector might also offer interesting Dutch business opportunities; especially with regard to more sustainable breeding, control of diseases, optimal nutrition composition, manure problems, machinery and logistics.
Important agricultural products: asparagus, avocado, banana, beef, berries, cacao, coffee, corn, cotton, dairy, fish, grapes, mandarins, mango, nuts, pomegranate, peppers, potato, poultry, quinoa, rice, sugar, wheat, wool.