Citrus exports from Peru are set to increase by 10 per cent to 105,000 tonnes in 2014 according to figures released by producer association ProCitrus. The association said a rise in mandarin and orange production resulting from higher fruit set was the main reason for the growth.
Speaking to Agraria.pe, general manager Sergio del Castillo said Satsuma output is set to rise by 30 per cent, while production of Murcott –a variety introduced just a few years ago in Peru – is projected to climb as trees reach maturity and yields increase. Together, these varieties account for around 65 per cent of Peru’s total citrus exports.
In oranges, meanwhile, improvements in postharvest handling techniques would enable shipments to China to go ahead without fruit quality being compromised during transit. Although Peruvian citrus gained access to the Chinese market two years ago, no shipments were made in 2013 due to quality problems arising from fruit having to be subjected to cold treatment for fruit fly.
Tangelo exports are expected to remain unchanged from 2013, when a total of 1,000 tonnes were sold overseas. Shipments are due to get underway at the end of February and run through to the end of August, del Castillo said.
In 2013, Peru exported 97,450 tonnes of citrus, a rise of 11 per cent on the previous season. The UK, the Netherlands and the US were the three biggest destinations.
