Peruvian mango exports rose by 8.4 per cent to US$101m during the first four months of 2013 to lead the way in the country’s non-traditional export category, followed by asparagus, natural calcium phosphate and fresh table grapes, among others.
The fruit was mainly received by the US and the Netherlands who combined represented 68 per cent of total exports, according to data from Peru’s National Institute of Statistics and Information (INEI).
A further 20.6 per cent share of the volume was absorbed by the UK, Canada, Spain and France, INEI said.
Volume-wise, INEI reported that exports have exploded by 244.2 per cent over the last decade or by an average of 13.2 per cent each year.
INEI said during the first four months foreign exchange earnings from mango exports rose by 5.9 per cent against the same period last year to total US$126.3m.
The mango category represented 16.2 per cent of the total sales value within Peru’s non-traditional agricultural exports.
Last year, Peru recorded a 4.4 per cent rise in foreign exchange earnings from mango exports for the full year to US$155.6m, INEI said.
According to the FAO, the top five mango-producing nations in 2012 were India, China, Thailand, Pakistan and Mexico.
The northern region of Piura is currently the largest mango-producing area in Peru, the report said.
Kent continues to be Peru’s most popular variety due to its high resistance and quality. Other varieties include Haden, Davis Haden and Tommy Atkins.
