PERU— Foreign Agricultural Service of the United States Department of Agriculture in Lima, Peru estimates that pulse production will increase due to increasing domestic demand, government support, and growing export markets.

For calendar year (CY) 2022, pulse production in calendar year (CY) 2022 is forecast at 295,000 metric tons (MT), an increase of three percent over the previous year and mainly driven by beans.

Post estimates CY 2022 pulse imports to decrease to 40,000 MT due to higher domestic production, higher pulse prices, existing stocks, higher freight costs, and a strong U.S. dollar.

Peruvians consume 80 percent of marketed pulses between May and November. Pulses are primarily sold dry due to accessibility in handling, convenience of transportation, storage, and shelf life.

The Peruvian government is involved in promoting pulse consumption as a reliable and commonly available protein source and as part of a healthy diet.

The United States continues to be the second largest supplier for Peru’s pulse imports.

Throughout mid-2021 to early 2022, FAS Lima conducted twelve activities under the “Eat More Pulses” campaign to promote consumption of pulses nationwide and to bolster opportunities for US Pulses.

FAS-Lima activities conducted through the “Eat More Pulses” campaign include: National Legume Day, Financial Education for women entrepreneurs, food literacy and training on how to start a business in COVID times and EXPOMENESTRAS, a business event showcasing U.S. products.

There were also promotional activities targeted at children including, farmers markets, workshops and also downloadable kids’ materials like coloring books.

Consumer trends in Peruvian pulse market

Since 2016 the number of Venezuelans in Peru has been growing steadily and this has been influencing local food consumption habits.

Among the pulses category, black beans are emerging as a product of interest to this population segment.  

Another emerging consumer trend is healthy and home-based consumption. High protein, low sugar,

low salt, and low-fat foods are becoming more popular among Peruvian consumers.

In the wake of COVID-19 the retail sector experienced a boom in delivery and online purchases. FAS Lima foresees a shift to the modern channel as consumers are increasingly moving to purchases on digital platforms.

Peru imported 111,097 tons of pulses in 2021, 27 percent less than the previous year. In terms of value, it represented a decrease of 18 percent to $78 million.

The decrease was principally driven by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, higher product prices, shorter supply, existing stocks, and higher freight costs. Under this new scenario, import flows for pulses were impacted.

The United States is the top destination for Peru’s pulse exports in volume.  In 2021, Peru’s exports to the U.S. doubled from 5,601 MT to 11,760 MT.

Mainly driven by beans, Peru’s exports to the United States are expected to increase to 12,000 MT.

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE