01 February 2015
World-leading food producer returns to Gulfood for fourth year running as total exports to UAE grew by 700% between 2011-14; nine top-ranked food sector companies to represent a country with a diverse range of produce

Peru will return to Gulfood 2015 for the fourth consecutive year as the world's number one exporter of organic coffee and leading producer of paprika and organic bananas looks to further develop relations with the region's food industry.

The Trade, Tourism and Investment Office of Peru in Dubai has confirmed that nine top-ranked food sector companies will participate in the event, which takes place from 8-12 February 2015 at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, as part of the National Pavilion, showcasing a diverse selection of high quality produce and products from around the country.

"Gulfood presents a fantastic opportunity for Peruvian representatives to identify new business opportunities in the region and present the wealth of our products that are fast becoming staples on the shelves of supermarkets and in restaurant kitchens around the Emirates," said Alvaro Silva Santisteban, Director of the Trade, Tourism and Investment Office of Peru in the UAE.

With a strategic central location, and possessing abundant natural resources, Peru has been recognised as the fastest-growing economy in South America (2013) with GDP growth of approximately 6% over the last 14 years, supported by increased participation in the global marketplace led by its mining, fishery, agricultural, textile, chemical, and oil and natural gas industries.

Peru grows over 4,000 varieties of potato, as well as around 55 varieties of corn plus chillies, mangoes, grapes, asparagus and a huge variety of grains and beans.

According to Ernst & Young's 2014/5 Peru Business & Investment Guide, in addition to being the number one exporter of organic coffee and producer of paprika, organic bananas, fishmeal and fish oil, Peru is the second ranked exporter of asparagus and avocados, number four exporter of evaporated milk and top 10 mango producer.

Peruvian aquaculture is also an important economic contributor with US$89.4 million worth of exports recorded in Q1 2014, which represented a 62% increase over the same period in 2013, according to the Association of Exporters.

"Peruvian exports to the UAE grew by 700% between 2011 and 2014, with the agricultural sector playing a significant role in driving the export market. Our presence at Gulfood is key in our strategy to cement long term partnerships and further accelerate export potential," said Silva Santisteban.

Peru has also earned the distinction of being recognised as the World's Leading Culinary Destination at the World Travel Awards for the last three years. More than 42% of surveyed visitors mentioned that its cuisine is an important influencer in choosing Peru as a vacation destination.

Companies exhibiting at the Peru National Pavilion include Agro Fergi, Agromix Industrial, Andes Alimentos & Bebidas, Andes Mills, Chanchamayo Highland Coffee, Danper Trujillo, Gloria, Villa Andina and Viniculos Agricolas, who will showcase a vast and diverse array of products including fruits and vegetables, quinoa grains and flour, raw cacao powder, chia drinks, spices, gourmet dips, evaporated milk, dried fruits, fair trade jams and juices, and organic coffee.

In addition to product showcases, a Dubai-based Peruvian chef will be serving delicious examples of classic dishes such as ceviche, tiradito, causa and quinoa salad. 

Fans of Peruvian cuisine will also be able to experience the flavors of this award winning cuisine, sampling several of these delicious dishes while enjoying live music throughout the course of the evening at Taste of Peru 2015 (Souq Madinat Jumeirah, February 12 till 14, from 6 pm).

Visit Peru at Gulfood 2015 from 8-12 February at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre on Hall 3 - Booth C3 - 2.

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© Press Release 2015