Peru's artichoke shipments have grown by an average of 28% over the last six years to US$123.3 million in 2011, website Agraria.pe reported.

Consultancy Maximixe said estimates for 2012 were that exports would continue to grow at the same pace.

The U.S. was the main export destination with a 58% share, followed by Spain at 23% and France at 10.5%; these three countries accounted for 91% of all shipments in 2011.

Despite problems with the euro, average export prices showed an upward trend reflecting Spain's production problems caused by low temperatures.

Customs statistics showed a 19% year-on-year increase in 2011 to US$3 per kilogram (kg).

The main exporters of canned artichokes last year were Sociedad Agrícola Virú (34.8%), Danper Trujillo (25.4%), Danper Arequipa (11.9%), Alsur Perú (10.1%), Open World Export (4.3%), Cynara Perú (3.8%), Agroindustrias AIB (3%), Camposol (1.8%), Agroindustrias Josymar (1.7%) and Agroindustrias del Mantaro (1.6%).

Consultancy Inform@cción said consignments stood at 39,972 metric tons (MT) with La Libertad region the leader with 20,918 MT (52% of total exports), followed by Arequipa at 11,203MT at (28%), Ica 5,191MT (13%), Lima 1,619MT (4%) and Junín 758MT (2%).

Photo: Ecologiaycampo.com

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