Peru is preparing to export frozen avocado, blueberry and mango fruits to China, which are aimed at restaurants, hotels and supermarkets, according to Peruvian media reports, according to Ángel Manero Campos, head of Peru's Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (Midagri).

Manero said that in addition to these frozen fruits, this year the Chinese customs will also have access to fresh pomegranates and piquant fruits, and that the head of the Chinese General Administration of Customs will visit Peru in September to sign an agreement on this matter.

Peru's agricultural exports to China total $450 million, with an annual growth rate of about 10 percent, of which fresh fruit exports alone reach about $300 million. Recently, China and Peru signed an agreement to allow Peruvian table grapes to enter the Chinese market by air. Airfreight grapes are fresher, can be on the shelves in as little as 2 days, and will compete in the high-end grape market. At the same time, China will also have access to Peruvian horse meat, donkey meat and other agricultural products.

Manero also emphasized the “key role” of the Peruvian port of Chancay, which he said will reduce the cost of exporting agricultural products by 30 percent, or US$2,000 to US$3,000 per container. In addition, transportation time will be reduced from 28 to 16 days, which is crucial for fresh produce.

Peru hopes to return to its previous 15-20% annual growth rate in agricultural exports once the port of Chancay begins operations, Manero concludes, “The European agricultural market is nearly mature, with growth of only 3-4% per year, whereas China can maintain annual growth of 10-15%, or even 20%, for a long time.”