Articles
Development perspectives of strawberry cultivation in Peru: a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and future projections
Article number
1465_1
Pages
1 – 12
Language
English
Abstract
Strawberry production in Peru has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven especially by its high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peruvian strawberry acreage has been increasing at an average rate of 7% per year since 2010, accompanied by advancements in technology such as mechanization, installation of drip irrigation and the use of plastic mulching.
Furthermore, there has been a favorable trend in the expansion of demand from processors.
The main destinations for the fruit are the frozen strawberry industry, which has been growing recently, and the domestic market as well.
In 2024, 25,000 t of frozen strawberry were exported, with a FOB value of 48 million US dollars.
Lima is the primary region for strawberry cultivation due to its mild weather conditions, limited rainfall, and proximity to the capital city and the country’s main port.
Lima accounts for 80% of the national acreage with an average yield of 20.6 thousand kg ha‑1, while Andean regions are showing a sustained growth.
Farm prices remain above USD 0.95 kg‑1, encouraging further planting.
The main cultivars grown include ‘San Andreas’, ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Monterey’. Despite this tenacious expansion, Peru still lacks a formal breeding program and there are areas for improvement in crop management, such as sustainable use of pesticides, and postharvest handling.
Regarding postharvest handling, estimated losses are 30 to 40% of the harvested fruit mainly due to three factors: leaving rotten fruit in the field, poor conditions at the selection site, and excessive handling of the harvested fruit without a cold supply chain.
Strawberry production in Peru has not yet reached its full potential for exploitation.
Enhanced technical knowledge, efficient implementation of advanced technology, and the development of appropriate cultivars, will be essential to overcome the challenges in this crop.
Peruvian strawberry acreage has been increasing at an average rate of 7% per year since 2010, accompanied by advancements in technology such as mechanization, installation of drip irrigation and the use of plastic mulching.
Furthermore, there has been a favorable trend in the expansion of demand from processors.
The main destinations for the fruit are the frozen strawberry industry, which has been growing recently, and the domestic market as well.
In 2024, 25,000 t of frozen strawberry were exported, with a FOB value of 48 million US dollars.
Lima is the primary region for strawberry cultivation due to its mild weather conditions, limited rainfall, and proximity to the capital city and the country’s main port.
Lima accounts for 80% of the national acreage with an average yield of 20.6 thousand kg ha‑1, while Andean regions are showing a sustained growth.
Farm prices remain above USD 0.95 kg‑1, encouraging further planting.
The main cultivars grown include ‘San Andreas’, ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Monterey’. Despite this tenacious expansion, Peru still lacks a formal breeding program and there are areas for improvement in crop management, such as sustainable use of pesticides, and postharvest handling.
Regarding postharvest handling, estimated losses are 30 to 40% of the harvested fruit mainly due to three factors: leaving rotten fruit in the field, poor conditions at the selection site, and excessive handling of the harvested fruit without a cold supply chain.
Strawberry production in Peru has not yet reached its full potential for exploitation.
Enhanced technical knowledge, efficient implementation of advanced technology, and the development of appropriate cultivars, will be essential to overcome the challenges in this crop.
Publication
Authors
C. Falcón, A. Casas
Keywords
strawberry, production, acreage, industry, exportation
Groups involved
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Working Group Strawberry Culture and Management
- Division Sustaining Horticulture in a Changing World
- Division Horticulture for Human Health
- Division Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology
- Division Greenhouse and Indoor Production Horticulture
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
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