Shipments to international markets grew by more than 40% in the period January-July 2024.
Peru has established itself as the world's leading producer and exporter of quinoa, totaling US$70.1 million in shipments of this Andean grain in the period from January to July 2024, an amount 42% higher than the same period in 2023, the Peruvian Government indicated through the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri).
This increase is attributed to the recovery of production after the fall recorded in 2023 and to sustained demand in international markets, where consumers prioritize healthy foods, said Agromercado, the commercial arm of Midagri.
According to the Sunat report, the total value of Peruvian exports corresponds to the shipment of 28,253 tons of quinoa, mainly destined for the United States, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Chile and Israel, countries that absorbed 68.5% of the exported volume. The Andean grain reached 69 international markets during this period.
Among the most notable markets, the United States consolidates its position as the main importer of Peruvian quinoa, with purchases totaling 12,447 tons, valued at US$ 33.3 million, representing a growth of 59% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Italy also showed a remarkable performance, with an increase of 141% in value and 80% in volume, rising from 598 to 1,077 tonnes.
Another market that has shown a positive trend is Israel, which ranked seventh in importance for Peruvian quinoa exports. This country increased its purchases by 154% in value and 119% in volume, going from US$ 736,000 to US$ 1.9 million in the period analyzed between 2023 and 2024.
IN THE REGION
At the regional level, countries such as Chile, Brazil and Colombia registered purchases valued at US$2 million, US$1.3 million and US$499,000, respectively, with Colombia standing out with sustained growth of 277.9% in its purchases of Andean grain compared to the same period of the previous year.
This performance has allowed Peru to consolidate its position as the world's leading producer and exporter of quinoa, supported by the efforts of more than 89,567 small farmers in the high Andean areas, who see in this crop an opportunity to improve their income and quality of life.
PRODUCTION ANALYSIS
The Midagri report “Innovation in the quinoa value chain 2024” highlights that quinoa production was affected in 2023, falling to 70,000 tonnes mainly due to the drought in the southern highlands.
Although cultivation is carried out in 17 regions of our country, 94% of the annual production is concentrated in six regions, led by Puno (41%), Ayacucho (22%), and Apurímac (11.3%).
In terms of productivity, yields showed a recovery, reaching 1.8 tons per hectare (t/ha) in 2023, although significant differences persist between regions. For example, Arequipa reports an average yield of 3.7 t/ha, while in Puno it is 1.2 t/ha.
In 2023, Peruvian quinoa exports totaled 45,000 tons, valued at approximately US$ 98 million, thus consolidating Peru's leadership in the global market for this superfood recognized for its high protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium content.
However, despite its international popularity, quinoa consumption in the domestic market is still limited, with an average of only 2.5 kilograms per person per year, in contrast to around 60 kilograms per capita of rice.
COMMERCIAL PROJECTIONS
Until August 2024, Agromercado implemented 18 Commercial Articulation Plans for quinoa with farmers from Apurímac, Arequipa and Puno, promoting the internal marketing and export of this super food, generating transactions totaling 2 million 673,631 soles (US$ 700,606).
