Pepper is one of the capsicum products that has the best prospects, not only because it is imported by large countries, such as the United States (the worlds leading importer of this product) but also because it is imported by other relevant markets, such as Germany, which in the last five years has ranked as the second biggest importer of this product worldwide, especially in its fresh format.

This, according to a recent report by Promperu called "Capsicum (Peppers) in Germany- Market Product Profile." According to the report, between 2013 and 2017 German pepper imports showed an annual growth of +1.75% in volume and -2.25% in average values (in the last two years this growth has been positive).

"Apart from importing fresh peppers, Germany also imports piquillo peppers and other canned vegetables and mixtures under the harmonized heading 200599; it ranks as the worlds third biggest importer under this heading," the report adds.

According to the Euromonitor observatory, Germanys fresh vegetable market sold a total volume of 4.5 million tons in 2017, and it is expected to maintain a constant annual growth of 1%, reaching 4.6 million tons in 2021, the report states.

"Apart from corn, the most sold vegetables are the other vegetables, which includes peppers, and had an increase of 1% and reached 3.2 million tons. It is important to point out that this growth has been occurring since 2016, after there was a fall of approximately 7% during the year 2013. This constant growth in sales is related to the high per capita consumption in Germany, wher people give the health benefits that fresh vegetables have a greater importance," the report adds.

According to data from Euromonitor, imports of processed vegetables and fruits grew by 1% during 2017, amounting to 2.5 billion, while the retail volume remained at 1,173,000 tons. This category could increase its price by 1%.

"According to some consumers, these packaged vegetables are more convenient than traditional ones, since they dont need to prepare them before they consume them. This facility, added to the changes in consumption patterns and the lack of time to cook, will allow consumption to continue to increase," the report states.

According to estimates prices of both fresh and processed vegetables remained similar to those of 2017 and minimal growth was obtained.

Regarding the context in which the pepper industry in Peru develops, Promperu stated that imports of fresh produce have fallen during the last year due to a higher demand abroad for ready-to-eat and processed products. Despite this, the price improved last year and exports amounted to almost one million dollars, i.e. 38.1% more than in 2016.