Trabajo Final
Trabajo Final
Maintaining grape quality during export involves a rigorous process that includes pre-cooling to remove field heat, using forced air at -5°C to -7°C, and keeping storage temperatures between 0°C and 2°C with relative humidity of 85% to 95%. Effective hygienic practices in sorting, cleaning, and packaging are complemented by regulated cold chain logistics. The packaging includes the use of SO2 generators in boxes to prevent microbial growth . These measures ensure freshness and compliance with international standards.
Challenges include maintaining optimal conditions across the supply chain, such as consistent cold chain management to preserve freshness, efficient handling to prevent physical damage, and adherence to stringent phytosanitary measures to curb pest issues. Moreover, maintaining comprehensive records as required by the FDA adds administrative complexity, emphasizing the need for meticulous operational and logistical management .
Peru's export strategy effectively exploits seasonal gaps in international markets by timing its 'Red Globe' grape exports to align with off-season demand in major markets like the United States and Europe. Harvesting starts in October, which allows Peru to supply markets during a period when traditional suppliers like Chile and South Africa have not yet entered their export seasons. This strategic positioning helps to enhance competitiveness and market share by offering fresh grapes when there is less competition from other Southern Hemisphere exporters, and it targets major importing regions where demand outstrips local supply .
Primary challenges faced by Peruvian grape exporters include meeting stringent regulatory compliance in different international markets, managing seasonal labor for timely harvest, and maintaining consistent quality control across large production scales. They also need to handle logistical constraints such as limited shipping capacity and volatile transport costs. To overcome these, exporters can invest in advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable practices to improve yield and quality. Strengthening collaborations with logistics partners to optimize supply chain efficiency and adopting sophisticated record-keeping systems for compliance ease are also effective strategies. Additionally, investing in market research to diversify and tailor products to varying consumer preferences across regions can mitigate market-specific challenges .
Exporting grapes requires careful financial planning, incorporating fixed investments in land, machinery, and facilities, amounting to $50,000, and variable costs such as labor, inputs, and advisory services totaling $35,200. The anticipated sales, based on a price of $16 per 19 lb box, must be sufficient to offset these investments and operational costs. Capital sourcing, including $60,000 in social capital and $30,000 in bank credit, is key to sustaining financial feasibility and operational liquidity .
Peru's export strategy heavily features the Red Globe variety, which constitutes about 75% of total export volume. This focus on a single predominant variety reflects a strategy to meet specific international market demands, which prefer the large, visually appealing Red Globe grapes. Peru supplements this with other varieties like Flame, Seedless, Sugarone, and Crimson to cater to diverse consumer preferences, optimizing their international appeal .
Red Globe grapes require a tropical and sub-tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 7° to 24°C and a relative humidity of 70% to 80%. They thrive in franco-clay soils, which provide optimal conditions for their growth. These conditions are prevalent in major grape-producing regions in Peru such as Ica, La Libertad, Lima, and Tacna .
Innovation plays a crucial role in maintaining Peru's leading position as a global exporter of 'Red Globe' grapes by enhancing productivity, quality, and compliance with international standards. Innovations in agronomic practices, such as precision agriculture, allow for better resource management and higher yields. Advanced post-harvest technologies, including improved cold chain logistics and lightweight, biodegradable packaging, reduce waste and enhance quality. Such innovations improve environmental sustainability and attract environmentally conscious consumers. Furthermore, continuous research and development investment fosters the development of pest-resistant grape varieties, reducing dependency on chemical treatments and aligning with stricter global safety standards .
Peru's competitive advantages in grape exportation compared to other major suppliers, such as Chile and South Africa, include its unique climatic conditions that allow for off-season production, thus filling supply gaps in international markets. Its ability to start harvesting in October provides an earlier entry into markets where demand peaks before southern hemisphere competitors begin their seasons. Peru's diverse climates and ideal soil conditions help produce high-quality grapes, particularly 'Red Globe', to meet varied global standards. Additionally, the rapid growth of its export infrastructure and systems designed to maintain freshness—such as effective cold chain systems and rigorous compliance with international safety standards—further enhance its global competitiveness .
Logistical considerations essential for maintaining grape quality during transport from Peru include ensuring an uninterrupted cold chain, where grapes are pre-cooled and stored at optimal temperatures between 0°C and 2°C. Proper ventilation and humidity control must be maintained to prevent dehydration and spoilage. Using high-quality packaging materials that stabilize temperature and protect from physical damage is crucial. Additionally, using sulfite pads inside containers helps in reducing microbial growth. Precise timing in logistics, starting from harvest to final delivery, is critical to maintain freshness and meet market demand .