Piura-based Peruvian exporter Dominus is anticipating a shorter export campaign for its mangoes this year, something the company has attributed to the el niño weather phenomenon.
El Niño is a band of warm ocean water temperatures that periodically develop off the Pacific coast of South America, often impacting on agricultural production in the region.
Dominus agri-production manager Milton Calle explained that the change in temperature as a result of the weather system had cut the season from its usual anticipated starting point of November down to December, while the campaign would only this year last until January 2015, instead of through to March.
This is something that would impact mango growers across the country, he noted, with overall volumes down from 140,000 tonnes in 2013 to 80,000 tonnes this year.
Dominus exports its mangoes - mainly the Kent variety - to the EU, utilising importers including Minor, Weir and Willis in the UK, Nature's Pride in the Netherlands and Excel Trop in Spain.
Despite the drop in volumes this year, Calle said the group expected exports of Peruvian mangoes to grow, driven by a 'fast-growing demand for ready-to-eat mangoes in the European market'.
However, there was better news for the group's table grape exports, he explained, with volumes increasing this year - very much in line with the recent boom the fruit has seen in the north of Peru.
Dominus' red globe shipments should increase this year, up from 60 containers in 2013 to 100 containers, with Asia the destination - the company's leading markets including Indonesia, China, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
In fact, table grape exports are set to increase 30 per cent across Peru this year, Calle added.
Dominus also exports Hass avocados between March and May, with the EU taking on 100 per cent of the volume.
