South American exports of citrus improve

Citrus exports in South America are believed to be better this season than last year's. The bad quality of Argentinian Satsumas, specially last year, causes mistrust in the European importers about mandarines from there, despite this year the fruit quality looking good in general.

Diana Sajami, from FCE EXPORT SAC, a company exporting citrus from Peru to Europe, said that last year there were many problems with the Argentinian Satsuma harvest, since the fruit was not ripe and tasteless. Although, also Peru had problems last year. This year, importers were quite cautious on agreeing with big importing programs.

"Importers will be more careful and will not take as big amounts", said Sajami. In the last years, the lack of trust was extended to other countries in South America, but it's believed that it will change this year, if they have less imports from Argentina due to several citrus industry problems to be faced this year.

Sajami said that Peruvian citrus exports keep on growing and with it in the whole Southern Hemisphere, reaching amounts of more than 2,200 metric tons in 2011. An increase of between 10 to 15% is expected for 2012.

"We expect a good season", she said, adding: "The weather is changing and this will help the fruit to get some color. According to the information we have, everything is going well". The main challenge for the season is the weaker Euro and the raise in tariffs. Although, in general, with the smaller amount that the South hemisphere expects to export, we believe that we will have a healthier situation for exporters and importers as well".

For more information:
Diana Sajami
FCE EXPORT SAC
Mobile: +51 990836110
Nextel: +51 98 105(*)9931
Skype: dsajami
website: www.fceexport.nl