Peru: Good prospects for next mango campaign

The Peruvian mango season will not begin until November; however, given the natural flowering, it can already be said that, in terms of volume, the production will be similar to last season's. "Our campaign lasts from November to March. For now, prospects are positive due to the good natural flowering. If nothing changes, volumes are expected to be similar to last year's; that is, 7,909 containers, each with 20 MT of mangoes for export," explains Juan Carlos Rivera, of the Peruvian Association of Mango Producers and Exporters (APEM).

Most of these containers are exported to Europe. "Europe accounts for 55% of our exports; another 35% is shipped to the United States, and the remaining 10% goes to New Zealand, Chile, Japan, Korea and China. The Asian market is becoming more important for Peruvian mangoes. The variety that Peru exports the most is the Kent, which is also the most produced, because it is very suited to the Peruvian climate and also withstands the long transit times," he continues.

Juan Carlos Rivera doesn't believe there is any real competition in the export destinations. "When it comes to Europe, Brazil also has strength in that market. In the United States, Ecuador supplies abundant volumes as well. However, the demand is usually so high that our exports complement each other."

"The demand for mangoes is constantly increasing. One of the factors behind this in the European market is the ready-to-eat concept. The import of ready-to-eat mangoes is on the rise, making it easier for consumers to know how and when to consume this fruit. We are trying to introduce this concept also in the United States, as it would help increase mango consumption," concludes Rivera.