Peru HS Code 090230 Black Tea Importers List 2017

Tags: Peru, HS 090230, black tea, importers, 2017, import data, customs data, tea importers | Updated: October 24, 2025 | Writer: TurkExim | Page ID: PE-TEA-090230-2017

According to Peru customs statistics, 34 Peruvian import companies imported black tea under HS code 090230 in 2017. Peru, while having a strong cultural tradition of tea consumption in the Andean highland regions (particularly in Cusco, Puno, and Cajamarca), imports the majority of its black tea from foreign suppliers, primarily from Argentina, Sri Lanka, India, China, and Vietnam. This page presents the complete list of 34 Peruvian black tea importer companies for 2017, with detailed company profiles for the leading importers, market analysis, and strategic insights for tea exporters targeting the Peruvian market.

1. Peru Black Tea Market Overview 2017

Peru, with a population of 32.5 million in 2017, is a significant importer of black tea, despite having some domestic tea production in the Amazonas and San Martin regions. The Peruvian tea market was valued at approximately USD 12.8 million in 2017, with imports accounting for USD 8.2 million (64 percent) and domestic production supplying the remaining 36 percent. Per capita tea consumption in Peru was 0.35 kilograms per year in 2017, well below the regional average of 0.8 kilograms in South America, indicating significant growth potential as Peruvian consumer habits continue to evolve.

The Peruvian black tea market is characterized by a fragmented importer base of 34 active companies, ranging from large multinational consumer goods companies (Unilever Andina Peru with the Lipton brand) to specialized food importers serving the Peruvian Chinese restaurant (chifa) community (Lima Restaurant Depot XINXING). The top 10 importers account for approximately 75 percent of total imports by value, with the remaining 24 importers sharing the remaining 25 percent. The market is concentrated in Lima, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of total tea imports, with regional distribution to Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Cusco.

The Peruvian tea market is shaped by several key factors including the strong cultural tradition of tea consumption in Andean regions (where mate de coca and herbal infusions compete with black tea), the growing urban middle class with rising disposable incomes, the expanding modern retail sector (Plaza Vea, Vivanda, Tottus, Metro, Makro), and the significant Peruvian Chinese restaurant (chifa) sector that demands specific Chinese black tea varieties for traditional recipes. The market also benefits from Peru's strong tourism sector, with international tourists contributing to demand for premium tea varieties in hotel and restaurant channels.

2. HS Code 090230 Black Tea Classification

The Harmonized System (HS) code 090230 covers black tea (fermented) in packages not exceeding 3 kg, under HS chapter 09 (Coffee, tea, mate and spices). This code specifically applies to retail-ready packaged black tea, distinguishing it from bulk black tea (HS 090240) which covers packages exceeding 3 kg. The classification structure as applied in Peru customs (SUNAT - Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administracion Tributaria) is shown below.

HS Code 090230 - Black Tea Classification in Peru

3. Complete Importers List: 34 Companies

The table below presents the list of 34 Peruvian companies that imported black tea under HS code 090230 in 2017. The ranking is based on total import value in USD during the calendar year 2017, sourced from Peru customs (SUNAT) declarations. Company names are provided in their original Spanish form as registered with the Peruvian tax authority (SUNAT - RUC). The top 10 importers are listed with full detail, while the remaining 24 are listed by company name.

Peru Black Tea Importers List 2017 - Top 10 Companies (Detailed)

Peru Black Tea Importers List 2017 - Companies 11-34

The remaining 24 Peruvian black tea import companies in 2017 are listed below. These companies represent smaller importers including regional distributors, specialty tea shops, HORECA suppliers, and individual entrepreneurs who imported black tea under HS 090230 in smaller quantities.

4. Top Importer Company Profiles

Rank 1: Unilever Andina Peru S.A.

Unilever Andina Peru S.A. is the largest black tea importer in Peru, importing the Lipton brand of black tea products. Unilever Andina Peru is a subsidiary of Unilever, the global consumer goods multinational headquartered in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The company operates in the areas of food, home care, personal care, and refreshments. In Peru, Unilever Andina manages various brands including Lipton (tea), Knorr (soups and seasonings), Hellmann's (mayonnaise), Dove (personal care), Rexona (deodorants), and Sunsilk (hair care), providing products across different consumer segments. The Lipton brand dominates the Peruvian black tea market with an estimated 45 percent market share, making Unilever Andina the single largest tea importer by value. Unilever Andina Peru imports Lipton tea bags, Lipton loose leaf tea, Lipton Ice Tea (ready to drink), and Lipton specialty flavors, sourced primarily from Unilever's global tea production facilities in Argentina (Misiones), Kenya (Kericho), and India (Kolkata). The company is headquartered in Lima and operates a nationwide distribution network serving all major retail chains and HORECA sector clients.

Rank 2: Supermercados Peruanos Sociedad Anonima (SPSA)

Supermercados Peruanos S.A. (SPSA) is one of the largest retail chains in Peru, established in 1979. Originally known as Promociones Camino Real S.A., the company underwent several changes, including a rebranding to Santa Isabel after being acquired by a Chilean supermarket chain. Eventually, the Intercorp group purchased it in 2003, transforming it into the current SPSA. Today, the company operates various supermarket formats under well-known brands like Plaza Vea (mass market hypermarkets), Vivanda (premium supermarkets), and Mass (wholesale format), with more than 70 retail stores across Peru. SPSA imports black tea directly from international suppliers for its private label brands (Plaza Vea brand tea bags, Vivanda premium tea), as well as serving as the primary retail distribution channel for branded tea products including Lipton, Hornimans, and Nestea. SPSA's direct tea imports are sourced primarily from Argentina (for private label tea bags) and Sri Lanka (for premium Ceylon tea lines). The company is headquartered in Lima and operates distribution centers in Lima, Arequipa, and Piura.

Rank 3: America Sam S.A.C.

America Sam S.A.C. is a Lima-based trading company that was established on November 16, 2004. The company specializes in urban transit systems and is also involved in import and export activities. Their main office is located at Jr. Paruro 757 in Lima, with another operational site in the same city at Jr. Paruro 732. America Sam S.A.C. employs around 17 people. Among their top imported products are tea, pepper, rice, and various spices. The company's tea imports include both black tea (HS 090230) for general retail distribution and specialty Chinese tea varieties for the Peruvian Chinese restaurant (chifa) community in Lima. America Sam sources tea primarily from China (green and black tea for chifa use), Argentina (standard black tea), and Sri Lanka (Ceylon tea). The Paruro district location in central Lima provides strategic access to the historic commercial district and the chifa restaurant concentration in Lima's Barrio Chino (Chinatown).

Rank 4: G.W. Yichang and Cia S.A.

G.W. Yichang and Cia S.A. is a prominent company in Peru, founded in 1929. The company is primarily engaged in the commercialization of leading brands across various sectors, including food, liquors, electronics, and hardware. It caters to the Peruvian market with a wide range of consumer products and exports mainly to the United States and Brazil. The company's headquarters are located at Jr. Carlos Neuhaus Rizo Patron 125, Urb. Corpac, San Isidro, Lima, Peru. Yichang has a long-standing reputation in the Peruvian market and continues to be a key player in the distribution and sale of both food and non-food products. The company's tea import portfolio includes premium Chinese black tea varieties (Keemun, Lapsang Souchong), Japanese green tea, and specialty tea products for the premium retail and HORECA segments. Yichang's nearly century-long presence in the Peruvian market provides established relationships with both international suppliers and domestic retail and HORECA customers.

Rank 5: Lima Restaurant Depot S.A.C. (XINXING)

Lima Restaurant Depot S.A.C., also known under the brand name XINXING, specializes in importing and distributing food ingredients and utensils for restaurants, particularly for Chinese-style cuisine (chifas). The company has been active for over 20 years, providing a variety of products to businesses across Peru. They have a large distribution center and offer efficient logistics to ensure timely delivery to their clients. Their headquarters are located in Lima, Peru, on Jr. Paruro 839. The XINXING brand is well known in Lima's chifa restaurant community for supplying authentic Chinese ingredients including black tea (for traditional tea service and cooking), soy sauce, rice noodles, dried mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and Chinese spices. Lima Restaurant Depot imports Chinese black tea varieties including Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess), Keemun, and Lapsang Souchong, sourced directly from tea producers in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces of China. The company serves over 2,000 chifa restaurants across Peru, with the largest concentration in Lima's metropolitan area.

Rank 6: America Capon S.A.C.

America Capon S.A.C. is located in Lima, Peru, and is involved in various trading activities, particularly in importing and exporting products. It operates from the Paruro district, known for its commercial activities. The company shares the Paruro district location with America Sam S.A.C. and Lima Restaurant Depot, suggesting a cluster of Chinese Peruvian trading companies in this area. America Capon imports black tea and Chinese tea varieties for the chifa restaurant sector, alongside other food ingredients and restaurant supplies. The company sources primarily from China, with some additional imports from Argentina and Brazil for standard black tea products.

Rank 7: LASINO S.A.

LASINO S.A. is a Peruvian import company involved in black tea imports under HS 090230 in 2017. While specific public details about LASINO S.A. were not immediately available in general business databases, the company is registered with SUNAT (Peruvian tax authority) and actively imported black tea products during 2017. LASINO S.A. likely operates as a specialized food importer or distributor serving the Lima market. Further specialized inquiries through local business directories or SUNAT RUC (Registro Unico de Contribuyentes) lookup would be required to obtain detailed company information.

Rank 8: Calderon Mac Donald Sandra Brunella

Calderon Mac Donald Sandra Brunella is an individual entrepreneur (persona natural) who imported black tea under HS 090230 in 2017. No detailed public information was found on this individual in general business databases. Individual entrepreneurs in Peru often operate as small-scale importers serving niche markets, specialty retail, or specific community networks. The import activity suggests involvement in tea distribution, possibly targeting specific regional markets or ethnic community segments within Peru.

Rank 9: Abastecedora del Comercio Limitada Sucursal

Abastecedora del Comercio Limitada Sucursal is a wholesale distribution company that imported black tea under HS 090230 in 2017. Further information on this company could not be found through available public sources. The company name (Abastecedora means supplier or provisioner in Spanish) suggests a wholesale distribution business model, likely serving small retail outlets, bodegas, or foodservice clients. The company might be operating in a more niche market or under a different registered name in public records.

Rank 10: Importacion and Exportacion TAY S.A.C.

Importacion and Exportacion TAY S.A.C. could not be found in major public business directories. To get specific details on this company, accessing local Peruvian business directories or specialized financial databases may be required. Based on the company name (Importacion and Exportacion means Import and Export in Spanish), TAY S.A.C. operates as a general trading company involved in both importing and exporting activities. The company's tea import activity in 2017 suggests it serves a specific market segment, possibly the chifa restaurant community or specialty tea retail.

5. Supplier Countries and Brand Analysis

Peru imports black tea from a diverse set of supplier countries, reflecting both the country's geographic position (with strong trade ties to South American neighbors) and the global tea production landscape. The table below presents the main supplier countries with their estimated market shares and product specializations.

Peru Black Tea Supplier Countries 2017

Argentina - Dominant Supplier Analysis

Argentina is the dominant black tea supplier to Peru, with USD 3.1 million (38 percent share) in 2017. Argentina is South America's largest tea producer, with annual production exceeding 90,000 metric tons, primarily from the Misiones and Corrientes provinces. Argentine black tea is primarily CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) processed tea used for tea bags, supplying both Lipton's regional production facility in Misiones and various private label brands for Peruvian retail chains. The geographic proximity (Argentina-Peru trade agreement via MERCOSUR-Peru P4 agreement) and established trade routes make Argentine tea highly competitive in the Peruvian market.

China - Chifa Restaurant Channel Supplier

China supplies USD 1.0 million (12 percent share) of black tea to Peru in 2017, with a unique positioning in the chifa (Chinese Peruvian restaurant) channel. Chinese tea imports include premium varieties such as Keemun (from Anhui province), Lapsang Souchong (from Fujian province), Tieguanyin (from Fujian), and various green tea varieties. These teas are imported primarily by Lima-based trading companies serving the chifa restaurant community, including Lima Restaurant Depot (XINXING), America Sam S.A.C., and America Capon S.A.C. The chifa restaurant sector in Peru includes over 5,000 establishments nationwide, with the largest concentration in Lima.

6. Peru Tea Market Analysis

The Peruvian tea market is shaped by the country's cultural traditions (Andean herbal infusions competing with black tea), the growing urban middle class, the expanding modern retail sector, and the significant chifa restaurant sector. The market indicators for 2017 are summarized below.

Peru Tea Market Key Indicators 2017

7. Strategic Insights for Tea Exporters

For black tea exporters targeting the Peruvian market, several strategic considerations are critical for success. The market is moderately sized at USD 8.2 million in imports, but offers significant growth potential due to low per capita consumption (0.35 kg vs regional average of 0.8 kg). The key success factors include establishing relationships with major retail chains (SPSA, Tottus, Metro) and the chifa restaurant supply channel (Lima Restaurant Depot, America Sam), providing Spanish language packaging, and ensuring compliance with Peruvian DIGESA (health authority) requirements.

Strategic Opportunity Matrix for Peru Black Tea Exporters

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)