Demand for Peruvian quinoa in Thailand is increasing given the natural product's high nutritional value, the Association of Peruvian Exporters (Adex) informed.
Peruvian quinoa exports to the Asian country totaled US$334,443 in 2016, up by 356% from the previous year, Adex Agriculture Department Manager Paula Carrion affirmed.
Thailand —hosting approximately 67 million inhabitants— buys more Andean grains, mainly those sold as pre-cooked products.
"This interest matches with the trade promotion efforts we are undertaking in that region," Carrion said.
"In this sense, we are expecting to participate in [two] fairs taking place next May: THAIFEX – World of Food Asia in Thailand, and Hofex Hong Kong 2017," she added.
The officer noted both events will allow Peruvian exporters to consolidate agreements with strategic customers.
As is known, quinoa derivatives —such as snacks, noodles, cookies and "ready-to-eat" products— have become very popular over recent years.
"There is a great opportunity for national food products to enter the Asian market [...]," Carrion stated.
"Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, among others, register higher food imports," she underlined in this sense.
February figures
Peru's quinoa exports totaled US$12.16 million in 2017's first two-month period.
Said shipments arrived in 39 countries.
The United States led the ranking (US$3.23 million), followed by the United Kingdom (US$1.29 million). Together, they accounted for 37.2% of total purchases.
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