Ica Fruit Producers in Peru Hesitate to Expand Amid Labor Strike Concerns

Peruvian fresh fruit producers in the Ica region are hesitant to invest further in expanding production this season due to concerns about potential strikes by the labor force. Despite high yields per hectare in common products such as grapes, asparagus, and avocados, exporters are worried about the possibility of strikes leading to highway blockades, disrupting the transportation of their fruit to the port. Currently, around 250 police officers are monitoring the situation to prevent potential protests. The exporters are mindful of the impact of protests in the last two grape seasons in Ica, which resulted in losses as grapes could not be exported due to highway blockades.