Peru expands processed potato exports: investments and prospects

Potato industrialization and new export opportunities

A new cryobank of the International Potato Center (CIP) has opened in Peru, where 3,600 samples of native potatoes will be stored, underlining the country’s strategic approach to preserving and developing its agricultural biodiversity. At the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Ángel Manero, noted the importance of private investment in the industrialization of native potatoes, which was the first major step towards the international positioning of this traditional Peruvian product.

The largest investment in this direction is the Tiyapuy project, led by Carlos Añaños, which has invested US$15 million in the production and export of potato flakes. According to forecasts, next year exports will exceed US$80 million, and potential orders for products could reach hundreds of millions of dollars.

Global Market Prospects

Peru is the world leader in blueberry and grape exports, and one of the leading suppliers of avocados and mangoes. However, despite its rich history of potato production, the country has not yet held a leading position in the international processed potato market. Today’s investments are changing this situation, creating new export prospects.

The Minister emphasized that the recent APEC forum confirmed the global interest in Peruvian agro-products. In addition to potatoes, white Urubamba corn, Andean camelid fiber, and protein-rich cereals such as tarui have potential for export.

An important step was the signing of agreements with FAO to support smallholder farmers through cooperation with the private sector, which will allow Peruvian agro-products to be included in the supply chain of APEC countries. CIP Cryobank: Preserving Biodiversity and Export Growth

The opening of the CIP Cryobank strengthens Peru’s position as a country with unique agricultural biodiversity. This is not only support for scientific research, but also a tool for developing the export of high-value-added products, which directly affects the well-being of farmers.

Will Peru be the new leader in the processed potato market? Which markets could become key for the export of native products? Share your opinion!