anager of the Peruvian Association of Mango Producers and Exporters (EMPA), Juan Carlos Rivero, announced that Peru would export 140,000 tons of mangoes this season (2013/2014), 40% more than the initial 100,000 tons projection.He indicated that the increase in shipments would be a result of the accelerated pace of exports recorded so far this season, which began on week 44 of 2013 (October 27). "86,015 tons have been exported between the start of the campaign and week 5 (1 February); and the campaign doesn't end until week 16 (April 19). That is, 40% of it is still left."
In that sense, Juan Carlos Rivera said he was surprised that shipments had continued to increase since the peak export is usually recorded at week 3 (from January 12 to the 18) and not at week 5 (January 26 to February 1), like what happened this season. 12,288 tons were exported in week 3, and 14,391 tons were shipped on week 5, he said.
"This increase in shipments is due to the contribution of Lambayeque's production. In addition, Piura has continued to export a lot of mango in a more advanced state of maturation. Hence, exports have increased more than we planned," he said.
He stressed that Lambayeque would export higher volumes until Week 7 (February 15) and that there would be a slight increase between weeks 11 and 13 (9 to 29 March), due to the incorporation of Casma's production (Ancash).
Regarding the mango from Piura, APEM's CEO said he didn't believe there would be more fruit harvested in the region. However, he noted, if there is some, it would be a fruit with a well pronounced maturity, which would be worrying with regards to its quality and health, as the ripe mango is host of the fruit fly.
"Producers and exporters are responsible for not sending fruit that is overripe. Plus, it wouldn't be economically viable," he said.
