The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation of Peru (MIDAGRI), in collaboration with SENASA, has taken a significant step towards the sustainable growth of the agro-export sector in South America. For the first time, phytosanitary certifications for the export of fresh fruit in refrigerated warehouses of ships, specifically under cold treatment, have been initiated in the port of Paracas, located in the Ica region.
Ángel Manero, the head of MIDAGRI, expressed the government’s dedication to implementing innovative systems that will foster export growth and solidify Peru’s position as a leader in cargo methodologies. He highlighted the crucial role of SENASA’s technical support in achieving this progress.
The inaugural shipment, which consisted of 4,000 pallets of table grapes -equivalent to almost 200 containers- departed from the port of Paracas en route to various ports along the U.S. coast. The shipment by Cold Stream included table grapes sourced from Ica, Arequipa, and Piura, marking the beginning of a logistics system designed to enhance the transportation of perishable products.
The four holds of the ship were filled with high-quality fruit that will undergo cold treatment during transit. Additional shipments of similar quantities are scheduled for January 3 and 8, showcasing the ongoing commitment to this innovative export method.
MIDAGRI underscored the significance of cold treatment in ship holds as a groundbreaking development in the Peruvian agro-export industry. This achievement was made possible through the specialized training of 26 SENASA inspectors by experts from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-APHIS), who have collaborated closely with fresh fruit exporters.
After years of meticulous planning and preparation, the implementation of the cold treatment process represents a milestone in improving transportation and logistics efficiency, meeting the high demand for Peruvian products in the global market. This new export system also serves as an effective solution for the industry in light of container shortages that have impacted agricultural product transportation worldwide.
Peruvian table grapes are highly sought after in various markets, including the United States, European Union, China, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, among others. With a total of 65 countries importing Peruvian fruit, table grapes hold a significant position as one of the country’s key fruit exports. The introduction of this technological advancement further underscores Peru’s commitment to quality and international competitiveness in the agro-export sector.
Through the successful execution of the first export utilizing refrigerated ship warehouses, Peru demonstrates its ability to innovate and adapt to global challenges, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the fresh fruit export industry. This achievement not only showcases Peru’s dedication to sustainable growth but also highlights its capacity for advancement and leadership in the international arena.
With a focus on quality, innovation, and efficiency, Peru’s agro-export sector continues to make strides towards sustainable growth and global competitiveness, positioning the country as a key player in the international fresh fruit market.