Peru’s mango exports rose by an impressive 196 per cent by the close of 2012, with sendings reaching 990 containers compared with 334 containers at the end of 2011, according to the Peruvian Mango Exporters Association (Apem) and reported by Andina.com.
Apem general manager, Juan Carlos Rivera, attributed the surge in volume to excellent climate conditions in the current 2012/13 campaign which started in early December and will close in mid-March.
“There was a big fall in production during the 2011/12 campaign due to weather conditions since mango is a fruit which very much depends on the climate,” Rivera explained. “However, this season the conditions are excellent.”
Last season (2011/12) Peru’s mango exports recorded their lowest level in three years ending on just 70,000 tonnes worth US$90m, whereas in 2010/11 volume rose to 130,000 tonnes.
The European Union ranks as one of the main export destinations for mangoes from Peru, absorbing 60 per cent of the volume, followed by the US with a 35 per cent share.
The remainder of the crop is distributed between relatively new markets for Peruvian mangoes, such as Chile, China and Japan.
Peru’s mangoes are mainly produced in the northern region of Piura, followed by Lambayeque which is also in the north of the South American country.
The Kent variety accounts for 90 per cent of the export total.
