Peru has a long history of exporting bananas. Although in the past this practice was carried out for more than 100 years and its cultivation was concentrated in the southern coast of the country, nowadays it is planted in almost all regions of the national territory. In fact, almost all bananas produced and exported are organic, representing about 3% of world production.
It is a food and a treasure for the growing areas, as it represents the main livelihood resource for millions of banana producers from Peru. These are not simply a group of people who grow bananas. These farmers are dedicated day and night to raise high quality products for people to eat and enjoy.
Domestic production of bananas and plantains
Plantain is a fruit grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. There is a great variety of banana producers from Peru, some of them are small and medium scale, others are commercial and exporters. All of them are located in different regions of the country and are highly experienced in this economic activity, producing hundreds of tons per year.
It is of great social and economic importance, as it is one of the fundamental products in the family basket, mainly for people living in the jungle. According to data issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, in 2018, 162,971 hectares of conventional plantain were registered in the country, which in that year produced 2’194,876 tons of this fruit destined for domestic consumption, being the main plantain producing regions San Martin, Piura, Loreto and Huanuco.
The 5% of the bananas produced in Peru are exported by about 7,000 small farmers, with the province of Sullana in Piura being considered as the producing area per excellence of organic bananas. This is due to the following reason: Good soil and a privileged weather, with a relative humidity below 85%. In this area, there is no presence of the dreaded Black Sigatoka, a disease that can seriously affect the crop in countries with more tropical climates.
Trade and export
Although exports developed late, in contrast to the international banana trade from Central American and Caribbean countries, this did not prevent banana producers from Peru significantly from taking over the trade and exporting this wonderful fruit. With the modality of “Fair Trade”, adopted by the northern farmers, the association of small groups of farmers, now extended to many regions of Peru, was promoted.
But since the transition from conventional to organic began in the late 1990s, more than 80% has been concentrated in the Chira Valley in Piura. By the end of 2019, there were 10,500 hectares of organic bananas (without the use of agrochemicals) grown for export. Last year, some 200,000 tons of this product, valued at US$170 million, were exported.
Peru’s banana farmers are known around the world for creating a variety of products that contribute to the well-being and health of people around the globe. Thanks to the effort and dedication of these producers, consumers today can enjoy fresh fruit, jams, juices and more. So there is no doubt that it has become an important source for millions of people in developing countries.
Contact us
For more information about banana producers from Peru, click here http://anproex.com/. Also, for more information about all products our company offers, please call 956 052 737. On the other hand, we have a mail for consultations, ventas@anproex.com. We are located at 267 Monterrico Chico Avenue, Santiago de Surco, Lima – Peru.