08/01/2015 (Peru This Week) - Non-traditional products may be the reason for the major growth.

Head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation announced an estimated 21% growth in agro exports in 2014 compared to the previous year after demand of non-traditional products soared.

Agricultural exports totaled US$ 5.3 billion in 2014, according to the minister Juan Manual Benites.

In addition to higher demands in non-traditional products, the ministry suggests the growth could possibly be due in part to the increased export free-on-board price as well.

The major exported agro products last year included palm oil, quinoa, cocoa beans, fresh avocados, and fresh grapes at rates of 191%, 130%, 74%, and 16% respectively.

Specifically, non-traditional agro exports totaled US$ 4.4 million in 2014 adding up to a 23% increase compared with 2013. Traditional agro exports on the other hand, saw a 9% increase compared with 2013 totaling US$ 850 million for 2014.

Significant to these numbers are the rising and falling value of these exports; one such product that fluctuated was coffee. Coffee exports rose by .2% although it experienced a lower export volume of -26% due to its increase in price (36% compared to 2013).