Sergio del Castillo, Procitrus General Manager told FreshPlaza that the citrus crop is doing well and production volumes are within expectations with a slight increase over last year. In addition, del Castillo states that export rates show promise because weather conditions have led to good fruit quality.
Peru's citrus season is from February to September, months in which fruit is shipped to both the local and international market.
As for the climate, Procitrus General Manager ensures that it has been an important factor to delay exports a little. "While the fruit had optimal internal quality for the start of the exports in late February, which is normal, the persistence of the heat has delayed the change of color of the fruit slightly." says del Castillo.
As for pests that could affect citrus, Sergio told FreshPlaza that in Peru they do not have plague problems. "Peru is free of all citrus quarantine pests except the fruit fly, however there already is a program to suppress and eradicate fruit flies in the departments of Lima and Ica which are
major citrus export producers." Says Sergio. The main threat to this citrus season in Peru is the uncertainty and recession of the major citrus consumer markets. "Both in Europe and the United States there is a downward trend in the citrus demand, which I have a feeling will affect prices and returns for farmers, 2012 projects an increase in the supply of citrus exports of the Southern Hemisphere countries." Assures Del Castillo. Due to the high quality of citrus from Peru, Northern Hemisphere buyers appreciate the Peruvian product. The main varieties which are being exported are Satsuma Mandarins, Clementine, Tangelo Minneola and Nadorcott. The main destinations for citrus exports from Peru are the United Kingdom (28%), the Netherlands (25%), the United States (20%), Canada (12%), Russia (3%), and other countries totaling 25 in all (12%). For now, citrus exports from Peru have been working together with Procitrus to enter new markets like Japan, Korea and Brazil. Other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and India are also being targeted, but we have not made any approach to these last ones.
Sergio del Castillo, Procitrus Director
"In 2011, the country exported 78,000 MT and is expected to increase this volume by 15%, however this expectation could decrease if the domestic market offers attractive prices." Assured Sergio.
So far, international prices have been normal. However, the wide range of production projected in the southern hemisphere and the low demand that threatens the Northern Hemisphere, could encourage Peruvian producers to look to the domestic market, that to date is very dynamic and demanding of fruit and vegetables.
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