Peru’s food exports to the UAE grew by 700 per cent between 2011 and 2014, said a top official, adding that the nine top-ranked companies will showcase their products at the upcoming Gulfood 2015, a major food and hospitality show in Dubai, UAE.

“Gulfood presents a fantastic opportunity for Peruvian representatives to identify new business opportunities in the region and present the wealth of our products that are fast becoming staples on the shelves of supermarkets and in restaurant kitchens around the Emirates,” said Alvaro Silva Santisteban, director of the Trade, Tourism and Investment Office of Peru in the UAE.

Peru will return to Gulfood 2015 for the fourth consecutive year as the world’s number one exporter of organic coffee and leading producer of paprika and organic bananas looks to further develop relations with the region’s food industry.

Gulfood 2015 takes place from February 8 to 12 at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Peru’s National Pavilion will showcase a diverse selection of high quality produce and products from around the country, added Santisteban.

With a strategic central location, and possessing abundant natural resources, Peru has been recognised as the fastest-growing economy in South America (2013) with GDP growth of approximately 6 per cent over the last 14 years, supported by increased participation in the global marketplace led by its mining, fishery, agricultural, textile, chemical, and oil and natural gas industries.

Peru grows over 4,000 varieties of potato, as well as around 55 varieties of corn plus chillies, mangoes, grapes, asparagus and a huge variety of grains and beans.

According to Ernst & Young’s 2014/5 Peru Business & Investment Guide, in addition to being the number one exporter of organic coffee and producer of paprika, organic bananas, fishmeal and fish oil, Peru is the second ranked exporter of asparagus and avocados, number four exporter of evaporated milk and top 10 mango producer.

Peruvian aquaculture is also an important economic contributor with $89.4 million worth of exports recorded in Q1 2014, which represented a 62 per cent increase over the same period in 2013, according to the Association of Exporters.

“Peruvian exports to the UAE grew by 700 per cent between 2011 and 2014, with the agricultural sector playing a significant role in driving the export market. Our presence at Gulfood is key in our strategy to cement long term partnerships and further accelerate export potential,” said Silva Santisteban.

In addition to product showcases, a Dubai-based Peruvian chef will be serving delicious examples of classic dishes such as ceviche, tiradito, causa and quinoa salad.

Fans of Peruvian cuisine will also be able to experience the flavours of this award winning cuisine, sampling several of these delicious dishes while enjoying live music throughout the course of the evening at Taste of Peru 2015 on February 12 at Souq Madinat Jumeirah. – TradeArabia News Service