Exports of mandarins from Peru are forecast to rise by 5 per cent to 82,000 tonnes this season, according to figures from Peru’s guild of producer associations (Agap) and reported by Andina Peru.
The estimate is slightly above the 80,000 tonnes previously predicted by the Peruvian Citrus Producers Association (ProCitrus), which would mark a 3.8 per cent growth in volume.
In 2011, Peru exported 78,000 tonnes of citrus worth some US41m, Agap said.
“Demand is very good,” explained Ana María Deusta, executive director of Agap. “Peru exports mainly mandarins of many varieties, but the main ones are satsumas and clementines which are very much demanded in the European and North American markets.”
According to Agap, some 33 per cent of Peruvian mandarins are exported annually to the UK, while 20 per cent goes to Canada, 20 per cent to the Netherlands and 18 per cent to the US.
Russia and Sweden represent other, minor export destinations, accounting for 2 per cent and 3 per cent of sendings respectively, the report said.
Up to the end of June, Peru has exported some 40,000 tonnes of citrus to global markets, worth some US$32m, according to ProCitrus general manager Sergio del Castillo.
Del Castillo also revealed that Peru is also negotiating the phytosanitary protocol to be able export to its citrus Japan, Korea and Brazil.
Peru’s mandarin season began in March and is due to close in August.
