Agriculture and agri-food market in Peru

Peru is an important destination for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products. In 2023, agricultural exports reached $717 million, representing 51% of Canada’s total merchandise exports to Peru. Canada is Peru’s top wheat supplier, with $656 million in exports and a 73% share of the Peruvian market.

Peru has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This has created new opportunities for Canadian exporters, building on existing benefits under the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA). Market access has gradually improved for key product categories such as beef, pork, poultry, dairy, and sugar.

Key opportunities for Canadian agriculture companies in Peru

  • Grains and legumes (wheat, pulses, lentils)
  • Animal proteins (beef, pork, poultry, and processed meats)
  • Dairy products (milk powders, cheese, yogurt, whey)
  • Value-added and processed food products
  • Organic and health-conscious products
  • Agri-food ingredients for Peru’s food processing sector

Market access improvements under the CPTPP

The table below compares tariff treatment for Canadian food products under CPFTA and CPTPP. ‘Year’ refers to the number of years after CPTPP takes effect.

Category CPFTA Treatment CPTPP Treatment
Beef Quota-based duty-free access; some cuts excluded High-quality cuts duty-free immediately; full elimination by Year 11
Pork Duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) up to 504 metric tons (MT) Fresh cuts duty-free on entry; frozen cuts by Year 6
Poultry Excluded from CPFTA Tariffs up to 11% eliminated by Year 16
Sugar TRQ-based duty-free access Key sugar lines duty-free on entry; others phased out by Year 11
Dairy Mostly excluded under CPFTA Tariffs phased out; some lines duty-free on entry, others by Year 11

Note: The Peruvian Price Band system remains in place for certain agricultural goods. 

Industry highlights

  • 51% of Canada’s merchandise exports to Peru are related to agriculture
  • Peru is Canada’s top wheat export market in Latin America
  • The CPTPP improves transparency in sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical trade barriers
  • Strong demand for processed, high-value, and organic products

Market structure and consumer trends

Peru’s growing middle class and urban expansion are driving demand for processed and premium food products. The food retail market is split into:

  • Modern retail (25% share in Lima): supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores
  • Traditional retail: open markets and corner stores

There are 291 supermarkets and superstores, concentrated in Lima (185 stores). 

Modern retail channels offer Canadian exporters growing access to consumers seeking premium and packaged food products.

Notable trends and considerations

  • Strong potential for gastronomic tourism, creating demand for high-end food ingredients
  • Organic food demand increasing due to growing health awareness
  • CPTPP rules of origin enable flexibility in sourcing and processing for Canadian exporters
  • Canadian products aimed at consumers are mainly sold in modern retail environments

Key event

Expoalimentaria is Latin America’s leading food trade show held in Lima, with a focus on Peruvian exports. Offers a good platform for Canadian businesses to hold side meetings and explore buyer relationships. In-market visits are strongly encouraged before exporting to Peru.

Contacts

Contacts in Canada

Find out who to contact in Canada or internationally if you are a:

  • new or aspiring exporter
  • existing Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) clients, international companies, and global representatives
  • looking for general information
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