According to estimates, the worldwide production of passion fruit reached 1,000,000 tons in 2020. South America led production with an 84.5% share and, after Brazil and Colombia, Peru ranks as the third-largest producer of this fruit in the region. This was confirmed by the specialist of the Commercial Intelligence Unit of Sierra y Selva Exportadora, Maria Esther Wong, who pointed out that in 2020 Peru produced 80,219 tons, i.e. 24.8% more than the 64,275 tons it produced in 2019. The main producing regions are Lima with 35,509 tons (20,237 in 2019) and a share of 44.3% of the total; La Libertad with 16,527 tons (14,344 tons in 2019) and a 20.6% share; Lambayeque with 10,135 tons (12,981 tons in 2019) and a 12.6% share; Piura with 9,136 tons (10,245 tons in 2019) and an 11.4% share; Ancash with 6,032 tons (4,534 tons in 2019) and a 7.5% share; and Junin with 1,526 tons (1,050 tons in 2019) and a 1.9% share of the total. "Almost 80% of the passion fruit in Peru is produced in the coastal zone, which has yields of nearly 14 tons per hectare; a higher volume than other areas," she stated.
International market
According to Esther Wong, Peru is the main exporter of passion fruit in the world. More than 90% of the Peruvian supply is exported in concentrated juices. The Netherlands is the main market. In 2020, Peruvian passion fruit exports totaled 42,221,000 dollars, i.e. 6.68% less than in the previous year. It was followed by Colombia with shipments for $ 35,553,000 in 2020, Ecuador with $ 33,875,000, and Brazil with $ 1,129,000. Worldwide passion fruit imports in 2020 amounted to $ 112,778,000, registering a 4% year-on-year increase. The main importing countries in 2020 were the Netherlands, which acquired this fruit for 77,413,000 dollars and accounted for 68.6% of the total, and the United States with 12,371,000 dollars and an 11% share of the total. They were followed by Belgium, France, Puerto Rico, Chile, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, and Spain, among others.
Opportunities
The representative of Sierra and Selva Exportadora's Commercial Intelligence Unit stated that the Peruvian passion fruit season went from December to May and that it peaked in February, March, and April. In those months the market is short of supplies since the Brazilian campaign runs from April to July and from October to January; while the Colombian season runs from May to November; and Ecuador's season runs from May to February.