“Currently, in our production lots about 15% more bloom has set compared with last year. This does not necessarily mean there will be 15% more production than last year, however it is a good indication that we will have a healthy crop, weather permitting”, continues McGeary.
He explains that the temperatures are still cold in Piura, which is good for the bloom set development, but once the bloom set is established the plant requires warm temperatures for the flower to remain and to develop into a fruit. “Piura is reporting cold temperatures at night and early mornings of 15 Celsius. Now, the main issue is for the bloom to stay on the tree. In which case, a lot of the regular producers and small producers in the area need to have the correct applications of nutrients and foliars, so that in the event of prolonged cold weather the fruit will develop correctly. However, the battle does not finished there. The packing and shipping process must be conducted in a way that ensures correct ripening, taste, and shelf life at destination.”
In the orchards at the moment, you can notice some lots with no flowers (trees that have been purposely stressed), some in bloom, and other trees that have developing mangos, says Matthew. “Our aim is to have even production throughout the Peruvian mango season. Not simply production for a few weeks. The same techniques should be recommended to other shippers and producers so they can have have a constant, even supply throughout the whole season to satisfy their programmes in a responsible and consistent manner. By the beginning or middle of October, we should have a more realistic projection from the entire Tambo Grande valley and Casma, to see how much bloom set has been dropped.”
Matthew concludes that new markets this season for Piura seem to be Korea, HK, and Japan. Certain packing houses are even converting part of the US side to supply these destinations. Of course, Europe and the US have a growing demand for fresh exotics and tropical categories yearly. Asica will continue to ship to our developing programmes in Europe, Scandinavia, the UK and to our strategic clients in the North America.
ASICA is a vertically integrated grower, packer and shipper of mangos, avocados, citrus and organics from Peru that not only focuses on shipping the best quality, but also focuses on social responsibility, environmental sustainability and on the ASICA Foundation, which helps communities in Peru to gain access to potable drinking water. As well as reforestation programmes and healthcare programmes for the communities that need a helping hand.
For mangos and more information:
Matt Mcgeary
ASICA FARMS – PERU
E: matthew.mcgeary@asicanatural.com
www.asicanatural.com