The start of the Peruvian mango campaign has been delayed by two weeks due to a shortage of water and unseasonably cool temperatures. Production is estimated to reach 110,000 tonnes in 2013/14, a similar volume to last season, according to producer association Promango. President ángel Gamarra told Agraria.pe that earlier estimates of a 5 per cent increase in volumes had been revised downwards due to a water shortage and irregular rainfall patterns, which would also delay the start of the season.
“In order for fruit to set it needs a temperature of between 200C and 300C but in the last four months, temperatures have reached 160C, so this has led to delays,” Gamarra explained.
Juan Carlos Rivero of mango exporters association Apem said the delay would benefit exporters as it would allow the market to clear before shipments get underway. “We will start shipping around three weeks later than usual, which means by the time fruit gets to market we will be the only suppliers in Europe and the US,” he said.
The first consignments are due to be shipped in the third week of November, with volume peaking in week 52s and 1, before tailing off when the Ecuador and Brazilian export seasons begin.
Gamarra said Kent will make up 90 per cent of Peru’s export volume, with Keitt and Ataulfo accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. The country’s main production zones are Piura (16,500ha), Lambayeque (3,500ha) and Ancash (2,000ha).
