Strengthening Supplier Relationships in Peru

Here at MWW fostering strong supplier relationships and deepening our understanding of the global agricultural landscape is crucial to ensuring we secure the best produce for our customers. Recently, Amarit Padda, our Category Buyer, embarked on a fact-finding trip to Peru to meet with local growers and enhance our procurement strategies, particularly in avocados, pomegranates, and figs. Peru is a vital supplier for us, not only for these key products but also for mangoes, ginger, mangetout, and sugar snaps.

The Rich Agricultural Landscape of Peru

Peru’s diverse climate zones, ranging from coastal plains to the Andean highlands and the Amazon rainforest, offer ideal growing conditions for a wide variety of crops. The coastal regions, with their abundant sunshine and moderate temperatures, provide the perfect environment for growing mangoes, avocados, and pomegranates, while the cooler, subtropical highlands are home to thriving fig cultivation.

Water availability plays a significant role in Peruvian agriculture. The rivers that feed the farms are primarily sourced from glaciers and snow-capped peaks in the Andean mountains. As these glaciers melt due to rising temperatures, they fuel streams and rivers that support agricultural lands. During the trip, Amarit was able to see firsthand how indigenous communities have harnessed these natural resources for centuries, using sophisticated irrigation systems such as canals and terraced fields to optimise water usage in the mountainous terrain.

Sustainability and Tradition in Agriculture

In addition to these traditional methods, many Peruvian farmers are embracing more modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and soil water meters, which help conserve water, as well as using recyclable plastic to help prevent moisture loss.

Peru’s agricultural heritage is rich and stretches back thousands of years. The Inca Empire, for instance, developed innovative farming techniques that are still in use today. Modern agricultural practices now coexist with these ancient traditions, creating a unique blend of innovation and cultural continuity.

With a population of over 30 million, the nation’s labour force, plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector, from cultivation to post-harvest processing. These hardworking individuals ensure that Peru continues to be a key player in the global fresh produce market.

Challenges in the 2024 Season: The Impact of El Niño

Unfortunately, Peru’s 2024 mango and pomegranate seasons have been heavily impacted by El Niño, a weather phenomenon causing warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. This has resulted in erratic weather patterns, severely affecting crop production. The mango harvest is down by 80%, and pomegranate production is expected to fall by around 60% compared to 2023.

Growers are facing significant challenges, including irregular flowering, reduced fruit yields, and damage caused by unpredictable rainfalls and drought. Despite these difficulties, the resilience and adaptability of Peruvian farmers were evident throughout Amarit’s visit.

Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Commitment

Amarit’s visit to Peru has reinforced the immense potential for continued collaboration between MWW and our Peruvian growers. Peru's rich agricultural landscape, steeped in history and innovation, continues to be a cornerstone of MWW's supply chain. By maintaining close ties with our suppliers, we are better positioned to navigate the challenges of a changing climate and continue delivering premium produce to the UK market.