Amid a growing international trend of using natural products in the cosmetics and food industries, Peru's exports of lemon essential oils have seen a strong boost over recent years.

The country's Association of Exporters (ADEX) said shipments in the first two months of 2015 had been valued at US$1.6 million, representing a 15.7% year-on-year increase.

Lemon essential oils are a liquid extracted from the outer part of the fruit's skin, and are used as flavor or smell enhancers in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

ADEX said there had also been demand from the beverage industry, which it expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Peru exported the product to five markets during January and February this year, with the European Union and North America receiving almost all the volume - 68.7% and 31.2% repsectively.

The Netherlands was the main destination within Europe, receiving 40% of shipments that were valued at US$672,000, followed by the U.K. with US$344,000. Some 8% of shipments were also sent to France.

In North America, Mexico and the U.S. received 20.4% and 10.7% of shipments respectively.

"In the first two months of the year, Mexico and France were the new destinations" ADEX said.

"The growth tendency has been reflected in annual exports of this product: US$6.8 million in 2010, US$8.2 million in 2011, US$8.2 in 2012, US$9.5 in 2013 and US$14.5 in 2014."

The Peruvian regions that export the largest quantities of lemon essential oils are Piura, Lambayeque and Lima.

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