Armando Grados Mogrovejo, CEO of Frio Aeroe logistics operator, reported that a total of 3,000 metric tonnes (MT) of fresh mangoes would be exported by air this season, which lasts from November to February.
The manager explained that the volume of air exports would remain the same as was exported last season, in correlation with the fruit's total export projections, which would also be similar to those of 2012-2013. Airfreight represent 3% of this season's estimated shipments, which, according to the consultant Inform@ccion, would reach 100,000 MT.
"It's impossible to reach markets in four days where exceptional prices occur. This, however, can be achieved by air, which makes the average price of the campaign also increase," he highlighted.
"Air shipments will increase once the fruit impacts the markets deeper with better performances and there are more windows of opportunity," he predicted.
In terms of costs, he said, the air freight cost per kilo of mangoes is about 1 and 2 U.S. dollars in low and high season, respectively. On the other hand, sea freight per kilo varies between $0.80 and $0.90 dollars. "Normally, air freight is more expensive. But as the price achieved by the product is higher, one has to perform a profitability analysis for each export pathway and make the decision that optimizes the sale," he said.
High season runs from December 15 to January 15 in the aircraft industry; the rest of the year is considered low season.
As for the fruit's logistics, he said, the product should be ready 36 hours before the aircraft's departure time. These should arrive 24 hours before departure at El Callao, the only point in the country where aircraft with fresh produce takes off. 90% of the Peruvian mango is produced in Piura, located about 15 hour by truck from the Jorge Chavez International Airport.
Mango air exports began five years ago and its main destination is Europe, from where they are redirected to Asia, Grades reported.
Source: Agraria.pe