Peru is expected to have produced more than 90,000 tonnes of mangoes once the 2009/10 season comes to a close, representing a 125 per cent increase on the previous campaign.
The Association of Peruvian Mango Producers and Exporters (APEM) said the return to form is the result of better weather conditions across the country’s mango-producing regions Piura, Lambayeque and Ancash, according to a report by Andina.
“According to the information we have, in the 2007/08 season 105,000 tonnes were produced, while in 2008/09 the figure fell to almost 40,000 tonnes,” APEM general manager Juan Carlos Rivera told Andina.
Mr Rivera added that Peru only exports 30 per cent of its production, with the balance distributed on the local market and to the processing industry.
“Peru has a high capacity for mango production, and quite often we do not exploit all of our potential because we need to stay in line with demand,” Mr Rivera explained.
The Kent variety accounts for 90 per cent of Peruvian mango production, according to APEM, while the remaining 10 per cent is Tommy Atkins, Haden and Edgard.
