In 2017, Mexico produced 2.5 million tons of limes, the second most important citrus in the country, i.e. 3.4 percent more than in the previous year.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (Sagarpa), Mexico grows two varieties of lime (Persian lime, which accounts for 30 percent of the total production, and Mexican lime, which accounts for 70 percent of total), which are differentiated by producing areas, types of land (irrigation or temporary), and marketing schemes, among other things.
However, they stated, both varieties complement each other in a natural way to satisfy market demands (both national and international). The agency stated on its blog that the lime was the second most important citrus fruit in the country, both for consumption in fresh and for industrial use, and that Mexico was the main producer of both varieties.
In 2017, the main producing states of Persian lime (or seedless lime) were: Veracruz, Oaxaca and Jalisco, together they contributed 95 percent of the volume produced in Mexico; meanwhile, the main producing states of Mexican lime were Michoacán and Colima, which accounted for 89 percent of the production.
In 2017, the main destination for Mexican lime was the United States; and the main destinations for Persian lime were the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Persian lime production is almost exclusively exported. In recent years this citrus has had an important boom, which has led to an increase in the production area and volume. In turn, the Mexican lime is used to supply the national market, as consumers have a greater preference for it.
Source: Notimex