Lima, Sep. 05. Peruvian exports of quinoa to the United States amounted to US$50 million in the period between January and July 2014, representing an increase of 239% from the year-ago period, the country’s Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister said on Wednesday.
According to Magali Silva, Mincetur’s head, with this amount, the United States emerges as the largest importer of the Andean grain, one of the world’s most nutritious foodstuffs, from a list of 45 international markets.
Likewise, the high government official pointed out that her sector has been working hard on the promotion of the Peruvian quinoa both within the nation and abroad.
Silva also noted that it is necessary that producers and export-oriented companies take into account “the existing sanitary and phytosanitary regulations demanded by the American market” with the aim to position the golden grain in that market.
It is worth mentioning that quinoa exports have surged from US$5 million in 2008 to US$80.5 million in 2013, according to figures from the Association of Exporters (ADEX).
Puno, in southern Peru, is the leading producer of this grain, accounting for approximately 82% of total production. Other country’s main producers include Ayacucho, Cusco, Apurimac, Junin and Arequipa.
http://www.andina.com.pe/ingles/noticia-perus-quinoa-exports-to-us-hit-239-increase-in-first-7-months-522054.aspx
