The potential and challenges of working with strawberries in Peru

“The best thing about working with strawberries in Peru is their versatility as a crop and the possibility of producing them year-round due to our unique climatic conditions,” says Cynthia Falcón, a strawberry agricultural advisor. Thanks to the country’s diverse altitudes and microclimates, strawberries can be grown during all four seasons, which represents a competitive advantage over other countries that rely on specific seasons. Falcón points out that strawberries can be produced both in open fields and under protected systems, allowing farmers to adapt according to their available resources. In addition, the Peruvian domestic market is constantly growing, with consumers who value fresh, healthy and delicious fruits like strawberries. “There is also a potential market for processed products, such as frozen strawberries, pulp for juices and jams,” she adds. However, she also recognizes the challenges. “The worst is the lack of accessible technology, the limited use of advanced ...