Peru has positioned itself as the fourth largest mango exporter worldwide, according to a presentation by David Flores, CEO and Commercial Director of Fluctuante, as reported by Agraria.
Flores indicated that the Peruvian mango is a fruit with a very traditional flavor, “because of its pleasant flavor it has positioned itself in various markets. It is a product that we have adapted due to the different climates that we have in the interior of the country. It also stands out for the pulp that we offer. The Peruvian mango is the one with the greatest flavor worldwide.”
He said that the last campaign presented problems, and it has meant quite a challenge to be able to carry out exports, due to logistical and climatic problems.
“We came from a pandemic, where we had very high freight rates, with drops in extra-port systems, removal in containers since there is a shortage at the international level. It is projected that by the year 2024-2025 the different shipping companies will have the normal supply of containers prior to the pandemic. Another problem has been the weather, since the phenomenon of the coastal storms that hit us, especially in the northern part of the country. The suggestion is always to be prepared.”
He indicated that the Peruvian mango industry had to face political-social problems.
“We had a transport strike in November 2022, a national strike in December 2022 and social protests in January 2023, where we have changed governors and even presidents. The transportation strike affected us significantly.”
He added that the main varieties exported are “the Kent mango that has led exports with approximately 58 percent participation and in value it grew by 28 percent. He is followed by Edward, Ataulfo and Keitt”.
Peruvian fresh mango exports reached 262,000 tons (47.7 million boxes), which were shipped to 41 destinations, and 8 regions of the country participated.
“At an international level, the main consumers are the United States with $870 million in consumption, which means a total of 607,000 tons and has paid $1,434 per ton. Mango consumption in the United States in recent years has grown by 9 percent, it is still a mature market, where consumption is staying even”, stated Flores.
The second relevant market is China, with a total purchase of $685 million, with 291,000 tons and has paid a higher price of $2,355 per ton and has had a growth rate of 13 percent in the last 5 years.
“Despite this, the last season presented negative growth figures of 13%, which may affect the following campaigns. Both countries have bought a third of what has been mobilized internationally.”
Flores emphasized that global consumption has dropped 5%, “so we are having a product that is reaching its peak and reaching maturity. We can see this reflected, because in the last campaign where the mango cost on average was reduced by 50% and that has alarmed many of the producers and companies in the interior of Peru.”
