Farm to Port – Insights from the Port of Philadelphia’s Peru Visit

In September 2024, key representatives from the Port of Philadelphia embarked on a journey to Peru. The aim was to gain valuable insight into the Peruvian agriculture industry while deepening trade connections between Philadelphia and Peru. The trip focused on essential discussions about logistics, agriculture, and the future of U.S.-Peru trade. It was also filled with educational meetings, farm visits, and meaningful collaborations with local leaders.

The journey began in Lima, where Fumigation Director, Dr. Shannon Sked, and International Business Development Manager, Christina Lista, participated in the annual seminar, “Ports & Trade: Logistics in Trade with the United States,” organized by PromPeru. The seminar served as an important platform for fostering trade between the U.S. and Peru. Dr. Sked shared his expertise on regulatory protocols and fumigation practices that are vital for the safe import of fresh fruit from Peru into the United States.

The delegation, which also included Phillip Holt from Holt Logistics Corp., Antonio Fernandez from J&K Fresh East, and Dominic O’Brien from PhilaPort, had the unique opportunity to meet U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath.

From Lima, the delegation traveled north to Trujillo, a key agricultural region in Peru and then to Danper, the country’s leading asparagus exporter and major player in the blueberry market. During the visit to Danper the group explored a 600-hectare (about 1,483 acre) property, witnessing a behind-the-scenes and in-depth look into the production of high-quality fruits and vegetables. The tour included seeing Danper’s avocado trees, a stop at the blueberry fields where they tasted freshly harvested berries, and the inner workings of the company’s state-of-the-art packing facility.

Following the tour and berry sampling, the delegation got to enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch, hosted by Danper co-founder Jose Aranguri. The meal included delicious local favorites like ceviche, lomo saltado, and cabrito, giving them a taste of Peru’s rich culinary traditions.

The final leg of the journey brought the Port of Philadelphia group to ExpoAlimentaria, one of the largest fruit expos in the world. There, they met with exporters, shipping lines, and industry leaders to discuss seasonal updates and forecasts. Following the expo, the delegation had the chance to meet with AGAP, an association that represents Peruvian agricultural producers, processors, marketers, and exporters to globally promote their agricultural development. Together, they discussed ways to enhance Peruvian exports to Philadelphia and shared mutual interest in strengthening and growing current trade lines. The Philadelphia delegation extended an invitation to AGAP to visit the Port of Philadelphia, setting the stage for future cooperation and trade partnership to formally host the Peruvian trade delegation in the U.S.

Meeting with key leaders in Peru’s fruit and vegetable trade industry helped strengthen the relationships the Port of Philadelphia delegation has in this important and growing market. The Western Fumigation team engaged in collaborative discussions with key decision-makers, and they’re looking forward to more opportunities to build on these connections. Strengthening ties between the U.S. and Peru is crucial for the continued growth of fruit exports/imports and to ensure a promising future for trade between both countries.