Our paper is a contribution to the literature exploring the patterns and determinants of smallholders' adoption of food standards. This case study focuses on the adoption of GlobalGAP by small-scale fresh mango producers in Peru. Based on primary data surveys, we find that a few smallholders comply with the standards because of the support received from exporters. The latter offers contract farming, including technical advice and the annual certification costs. Therefore, the paper underlines the key role of exporters in Peru as intermediaries and organizers in the way smallholders may participate in private standards in agrifood value chains.