Citrus exports from Peru totaled US$ 2.9 million during the first quarter of this year, posting 85.3 percent increase over the same period a year earlier, Peruvian Association of Exporters (ADEX) has said.
According to figures released by the entity’s Agricultural office said, shipments of citrus during the January-March stretch destined to top markets of the European Union, Canada and the United States recorded a value of US$ 1.9 million. The office’s director Giannina Denegri pointed out other important markets which stood out worldwide were Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Aruba.
Among the most sought-after varieties of citrus fruit during the March quarter were mandarin with shipments worth US$ 1.8 million, up 279 percent over the same period last year, and Tahiti lime with sales stood at US$ 582,250, up 78 percent compared to 2013.
"These are fruits of great taste and quality. The citrus harvest spans all year long, but its peak season is between April and August," Denegri told Andina news agency
Likewise, ADEX's senior official highlighted citrus exports from the Andean nation hit a record US$ 96 million in 2013 from US$ 83.9 million reached in the corresponding period in 2012.
