Pakistani kinnow mandarin exports have already exceeded their target volume for this season, the International News has reported.The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) estimated 305,000 tonnes of kinnows, at a value of US$180m, have been exported to date, eclipsing the early-season forecast of 300,000 tonnes.
With the season expected to run until late April, PFVA spokesperson Waheed Ahmed said the kinnow industry was hopeful of exporting another 20,000 tonnes, capitalising on strong global demand for its product.
“The availability of our kinnow at comparatively low price in the world markets helped us exporting such a volume,” Ahmed told the International News. “Otherwise, our share in the total export market of the world is nominal.”
This season’s export volume betters last year’s total of 235,00 tonnes, Ahmed added. The average selling price for Pakistani kinnows has been around US$7 per carton (10kg), significantly cheaper than the US$10-12 per carton competitors are offering, according to the International News.
The United Kingdom, Canada and the Philippines remain among the core markets for the offering, while Pakistani exporters have also looked to develop the Indonesian market, where shipments have risen 15 per cent to 40,500 tonnes, following the signing of a preferential trade agreement between the two countries.
