Peru’s agricultural sector is witnessing significant growth as La Cooperativa Agraria Norandino embarks on the export of mango pulp, anticipating the shipment of 70 tons by the end of the 2024/2025 season. Following a challenging year, which witnessed severe drought conditions affecting the mango harvest, the cooperative is now seeking to stabilize its operations by targeting international markets, particularly with its organic certification for mango products.
Santiago Enrique Paz López, the cooperative’s commercial manager, expressed optimism about the export strategy. He noted, “Now the mango harvest is finishing in Piura. There’s too much fruit, and the price for the producer is S/ 2 to S/ 3 for the 18-kilo box, but we are paying S/ 19 for the box.” His team is continuing to work collaboratively with around 60 farmers from Tambogrande who are cultivating mangoes across 300 hectares. The cooperative stands out because all the mangoes they acquire meet organic certification standards, ensuring quality and sustainability.
Despite the challenges faced last year due to water shortages which forced the harvest to accelerate and concentrate within limited weeks, Norandino sees promise through partnerships with growers seeking organic certification. “We’ve started with farmers who already have organic certification, but the idea is to include new producers. This year, we will work on the entire certification process, allowing us to have greater volume for the next campaign,” Paz López commented.
On the other side of the spectrum, Brazil’s Itaueira has also been making strides toward expansion. With four decades of experience producing melons, the company is re-entering the export market after seven years of focusing on internal sales, determined to seize opportunities across Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Middle East. For the 2025-2026 campaign, Itaueira aims to export not only the typical yellow melon but also new varieties, such as seedless mini-watermelons, currently undergoing testing.
Aryan Schut, the director of international sales for Itaueira, conveyed enthusiasm about the company’s latest ventures: “The expansion to international markets is a natural step for our company after the excellent results obtained in Brazil.” Thanks to the reactivation of their farm located in Morada Nova, Ceará, Itaueira has increased its production area by 20%, bringing it to 3,000 hectares. This expansion not only enhances their capacity for exports but also bolsters their ability to serve the booming Brazilian market effectively.
Itaueira will exhibit its produce at the upcoming Fruit Logistica fair held in Berlin, showcasing its renewed ambitions to captivate international buyers with superior quality products derived from enhanced agricultural practices.
Both Norandino and Itaueira epitomize the optimistic outlook for agricultural exports and production. With sustainable practices such as organic certification becoming central to Norandino’s strategy and Itaueira’s expansion demonstrating their resilience through market adaptation, they are positioning themselves as significant players on the world stage. The growing emphasis on organic and high-quality produce is not only beneficial for international trade but also sets the groundwork for long-term sustainable agriculture.”