The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC) has received certification from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote Peru’s avocados in the U.S., the country's agricultural ministry MAF said in a statement.

The certification allows the PAC to designate funds for promotional activities in the US. It is the first group to include Peruvian avocado growers, packers and exporters along with US importers.

To pay for the promotions, the PAC is opening a fund that will charge U.S. 5 cents for each exported kilogram.

“For Peru it is an honor and a big step to receive this certification that will allow Peruvian agriculture to keep advancing in areas such as the promotion of Hass avocados and the growth of its consumption in the U.S.,” Agriculture Minister Rafael Quevedo Flores was quoted as saying.

Peru is looking to position itself as a key supplier of avocados to the U.S., where Mexico and Chile are the main suppliers of the fruit outside the California harvest season.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com