"The Peruvian Tahiti lime export season shows signs of growth, with an estimated 25-30% increase in terms of volume compared to last season. The country has two important export periods: from week 1 to week 23-24, and then from week 40 onwards. This seasonality allows Peru to supply the market at times when competitors such as Mexico, Colombia, or Brazil are less present. Peru can be there when Mexico cannot," says Miguel Fossa, CEO of the company Limones Piuranos, who highlighted the growth in export volumes and the progress made in value-added processed products.
© Limones Piuranos
In 2023, Peruvian exports of this lime variety reached approximately 40,000 tons, with stable FOB prices ranging between 0.90 and 1.10 dollars per kilo. Prices have remained within that range for the last five or six years.
"Even though the Piura region was hit by drought in September and October last year, production has not been slowed down by it," said Fossa, underlining the crop's resilience and the constant expansion of the acreage.
© Limones Piuranos
"At the moment, 53% of Limones Piuranos' exports go to Europe, 30% to the United States, and the rest is distributed between Central America and Chile. The good thing about Peruvian Tahiti lime exports is that it is a quality lime," says the CEO. He stressed that the more limited use of pesticides in Peru gives the product an outstanding value in international markets.
In addition to fresh lime shipments, Limones Piuranos has diversified its portfolio with juices and industrial citrus derivatives. "In total, it expects to process and ship more than 10,000 tons of products, including juices, by-products, and fresh fruit, consolidating its presence in industrial segments, in addition to the fresh market," he said.
© Limones Piuranos
"Exports of aseptic juices and concentrates made from tropical fruits such as passion fruit, mango, orange, and pineapple are mostly intended for the European market, where industrial customers use these products as a base for drinks and mixes. Prices for these industrial products amount to around 2,800 to 3,000 dollars per ton for aseptic juices and between 1,800 and 1,900 dollars for juice concentrates," says Miguel Fossa.
© Limones Piuranos
However, there have recently been some issues with logistics. "The latest mango campaign, for example, has been affected by prolonged drought between July and December, which altered the schedule and caused some overlap with the early grape harvest. This generated competition both for packing materials and for space on shipping lines, and local transport and freight rates increased as a result. On top of that, shipping lines applied a peak season surcharge, which ranged between 1,000 and 2,500 dollars per container, and delays in ports and maritime connections took a toll on transit times, making export planning difficult," says Fossa.
Despite this, the company plans to continue increasing its production, expanding the acreage, and strengthening its line of industrial products. "In times of abundance, we process the fruit that won't be exported for fresh consumption," says the CEO of Limones Piuranos.
For more information:
Neudig Carrillo
Limones Piuranos SAC
Piura, Peru
Tel.: +51 998927653
[email protected]
https://limonespiuranos.com/
