From left to right: Melvi Davila, President de Peru Agribusiness Association; U.S. Senator Robert Menendez; Marisol Espinoza, Vice President of Peru; Harold Forsyth, U.S. Ambassador of Peru; and, Jesus Huaranga, Harrison City Council.

Harrison Town Council member Jesus Huaranga and U.S. Senator Robert Menendez attended the first annual Peru to the World Expo in Newark, NJ from June 15 through June 17. An initiative launched by the Peru Agribusiness Association, the inaugural event promoted Peruvian products and gastronomic tourism to Peru among travelers, buyers, distributors, and investors. Tastings, speakers, an international food and beverage seminar, an investment forum, and cooking demonstrations by acclaimed Peruvian chefs, including Emmanuel Piqueras and Marita Lynn, were the main highlights of the weekend.

“Peru to the World Expo is a wonderful way to showcase the rich offerings of the country to perspective partners and visitors,” said Fortunato Quesada, the Peruvian Consul. “The event will offer a unique cultural experience and opportunity for everyone  – from foodies and families to investors and entrepreneurs.”

Peru’s economy has seen continual improvement over the past several years and remains an important source of imports for the United States. In turn, the budding relationship between Peru and the U.S. has contributed to the American economy by providing vast opportunities for the export of U.S. products. The event raised awareness of further options for investors, importers, and exporters. One of the events sponsors, Goya, highlighted the economic importance of building upon the U.S. relationship with Peru.

“Goya is proud to sponsor this event to further our existing relationships within the Peruvian community in the U.S., as well as those with Peruvian businesses,” said Jose Perez, Sr. Vice President of Purchasing and Marketing for Goya. “We’re confident that these relationships will continue to thrive and count on Peru as an important source of many of our imports.”

Huaranga participated in the events and panels, learning more about opportunities for the U.S. and Harrison in trade between the two countries, as well as fostering a global community. An investment forum highlighted trends in the nutrition consumer market and identified new market niches and their benefits.

In addition to economic interests, the promotion of Peruvian products to the world, and advocating gastronomic tourism with a focus on regional tourism, the event also offered a showcase of Peruvian culinary talent currently living in the United States. The Gastronomic Fair included tastings, gala dinners, and culinary competitions by leading chefs. Topics such as “Everyday Cooking with Peruvian Flair” and “Quinoa: The Grain of the Gods,” offered tips for creating tasty, nutritious dishes.

The Peru Agribusiness Association assembled the successful inaugural event in partnership with Sierra Exportadora, the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at Rutgers University, and Prompueru, the Peruvian government commission that promotes exports and tourism.

To view pictures and find further information about the event, visit perutotheworldexpo.com.

Colleen Gore for DailyHarrison.com