Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Peru is a net importer of fresh apples (HS 080810): in 2024 it imported about USD 47.3 million (39.3 million kg), with supply dominated by Chile and the United States, while exports were negligible. Granny Smith apples in Peru are primarily supplied through this import channel, alongside limited domestic apple production. Domestic production is reported as highly concentrated in Lima and dominated by the variety "Delicias", with other local varieties also present. Market access is strongly shaped by SENASA phytosanitary controls and the possibility of sudden import suspensions, as occurred in April 2024 for apples from Chile due to quarantine pest risk (Grapholita molesta).
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market with limited domestic production)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market with small domestic production and significant reliance on imports for year-round assortment
Market GrowthGrowing (2021–2024)import value increased from 2021–2024 after a dip in 2022
Specification
Primary VarietyGranny Smith
Physical Attributes- Whole and sound fruit (as described in INACAL’s summary of NTP 011.002)
- Free from pests and deep bruising (as described in INACAL’s summary of NTP 011.002)
- Free from abnormal odors and flavors that affect final consumption (as described in INACAL’s summary of NTP 011.002)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Imports (mainly from Chile and the United States; HS 080810) → arrival/clearance → SENASA inspection and favorable Reporte de Inspección y Verificación (RIV) → importer/wholesale distribution → retail
- Domestic production (reported concentrated in Lima) → local wholesale/retail marketing
Temperature- Quality guidance referenced by INACAL for fresh apples covers handling, transport, and conservation/storage conditions to preserve quality through distribution.
Shelf Life- INACAL cites washing steps and waxing as a storage-related practice to reduce dehydration during the storage period.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighImports can be abruptly disrupted by SENASA phytosanitary actions tied to quarantine pest risk; in April 2024, SENASA announced a suspension affecting fresh apples from Chile due to Grapholita molesta risk.Continuously monitor SENASA resolutions and alerts for the specific origin; diversify approved origins and ensure shipments only proceed under valid, current SENASA requirements.
Regulatory Compliance HighEntry depends on strict documentary and procedural compliance (PFI obtained before shipment, official phytosanitary certificate matching SENASA requirements, and favorable RIV after inspection); mismatches can delay or prevent clearance.Run a pre-shipment document conformity check against the PFI and any origin-specific Resolución Directoral requirements; coordinate with the exporting NPPO to ensure correct additional declarations where required.
Food Safety MediumNon-compliance with pesticide maximum residue limits can trigger regulatory action and commercial rejection; Peru has an official sanitary standard approving pesticide LMRs for foods (NTS N° 128-MINSA/2016/DIGESA) and references Codex as a key benchmark.Implement residue monitoring and require test evidence aligned to Peru’s applicable LMR framework and Codex references where relevant.
Logistics MediumFresh apples are quality-sensitive during international transport and domestic distribution; disruptions or cost increases in refrigerated logistics can affect availability and shrink/claims.Use validated cold-chain partners, define temperature/handling responsibilities in contracts, and maintain contingency lead times for import programs.
FAQ
Which documents are commonly required to import fresh apples into Peru?SENASA’s import workflow commonly requires a Permiso Fitosanitario de Importación (PFI) obtained before shipment, an official phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country that matches SENASA requirements, customs import declaration documentation (e.g., DUA or simplified declaration as applicable), and a favorable Reporte de Inspección y Verificación (RIV) issued after SENASA inspection upon arrival.
Where is apple production concentrated within Peru?INACAL reports that Peru’s apple production is concentrated mainly in Lima (reported as about 90%), with additional production noted in departments such as Áncash, La Libertad, Arequipa, and Ica.
Which countries are the main suppliers of fresh apples to Peru?Based on WITS/UN Comtrade data for HS 080810, Peru’s 2024 fresh apple imports were led by Chile and the United States by value, followed by smaller volumes from Argentina, Portugal, and China.