Peru superfoods in focus at Gulfood 2016

World's leading exporter and producer of natural products returns to Gulfood for fifth consecutive year

23 February, 2016, UAE: Superfoods and organic produce will feature prominently at the Peru Pavilion during Gulfood 2016. Returning for the fifth consecutive year, the world's eighth-largest fruit and vegetable producer will seek to deepen trade relations with the food industry across the region.

The agricultural sector continues to play a significant role in driving Peru’s exports to the GCC. Between 2011 and 2014 Peru’s exports to the region grew by 700%.

“Gulfood is an important trade platform for Peruvian companies. In the five years that Peru has participated, our cuisine has established a firm presence on the Dubai culinary scene. This growing awareness of Peru’s cosmopolitan flavors and rich palette of ingredients is contributing to increased demand for our products across the region,” said Alvaro Silva-Santisteban, Director of the Trade and Investment Office of Peru in the UAE.

Peruvian food continues to gain worldwide success with three of its restaurants ranked among the 2015 World’s 50 Best restaurants, including Lima’s Central restaurant which came in fourth position. Last year the highly-respected World Travel Awards (WTA) named Peru the “World Leading Culinary Destination” for the fourth consecutive year.

With its rich ecosystem biodiversity, microclimates and diverse topography, Peru is home to thousands of foods found nowhere else on the planet. Packed with healthy vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients, many of these foods fit into the new class of ingredients called superfoods.

Peruvian superfoods being showcased at Gulfood 2016 include: Quinoa; Camu Camu, a fruit that is packed with more natural vitamin C than any other food source recorded on the planet; and Maca, a root that is high in micronutrients, essential vitamins and minerals, among others.

Peru’s exports of fresh asparagus, organic banana, and quinoa have surpassed all top producers, making the Andean country number one in these markets worldwide. It is the second largest exporter of avocados, artichokes and organic cacao, and the third largest exporter of dried paprika, Lima bean and specialty coffees.

Peru has also become a big exporter of dairy products, having today one of the largest evaporated milk plants in the world.

“Continued consumer demand for all things healthy, organic, additive-free and natural is driving an increasingly health-conscious food market in the Gulf region. These are foods in which Peru excels so we anticipate a significant increase in our food exports over the coming years,” said Silva-Santisteban.

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

Visit Peru at Gulfood 2016 from 21-25 February at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Hall 3 – Booth C3-2.