A new chapter in Peru’s agricultural export story is unfolding. Ginger from Pichanaki, located in the lush Junín jungle, has officially entered the French market, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Export and Tourism (Promperú) and the local exporter Elisur Organic S.A.C.. This milestone not only marks a success for a single shipment but signals significant potential for sustainable Peruvian agriculture in high-demand European markets.
Since 2017, Elisur Organic has been exporting ginger, but the recent breakthrough into France marks a new frontier—one aligned with Europe’s increasing preference for organic, residue-free, and functional foods. According to Eurostat, organic product imports into the EU rose by 15% in 2024, with organic roots and tubers, including ginger, being among the fastest-growing categories.
Why Pichanaki Ginger?
Pichanaki’s agroclimatic conditions—ample rainfall, high humidity, and fertile jungle soils—make it an ideal environment for high-quality organic ginger. Ginger from this region is prized for its strong aroma, high essential oil content, and low fiber, making it well-suited for fresh consumption, juicing, and processing into nutraceuticals.
France, a leading European importer of organic produce, imported over 7,000 tons of ginger in 2024, with a rising share coming from Latin America, particularly Peru. France’s organic retail market, valued at €13 billion, shows a sustained consumer preference for ingredients linked to wellness, digestive health, and immune support—qualities strongly associated with ginger.
Promperú’s Strategic Push
Promperú, alongside Mincetur (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism), has intensified efforts to diversify Peru’s export destinations beyond the U.S. and Asia. Ginger, alongside quinoa, cacao, and blueberries, is central to this strategy. In 2023, Peru exported over 63,000 metric tons of ginger, generating more than $110 million USD, according to Adex (Peruvian Association of Exporters).
France’s acceptance of Pichanaki ginger adds to an expanding list of European markets recognizing Peruvian organic standards, traceability systems, and sustainability certifications such as EU Organic, GlobalG.A.P., and Fair Trade.
The successful export of Pichanaki ginger to France is more than a trade win—it’s a signal of global market readiness for jungle-grown, organic Peruvian produce. As European demand for health-based and sustainable foods grows, Peru is well-positioned to meet it with high-quality, environmentally responsible crops. For farmers, agronomists, and exporters, the message is clear: the future of agri-trade lies in quality, origin, and sustainability.
