While heavy rains have contributed to uncertainty about global mango production, Peru foresees an increase in both volume and demand for fresh mangoes this year.
In 2015, mango production rose by 34 per cent, reaching a total of more than €167 million. Peru exports mangoes to 28 countries, with the Netherlands and the United States being the main importers.
The South American country has approximately 27,000 hectares of land dedicated to growing mangoes, however, some of this has been converted for grapes in recent years, which has led to a decrease in production.
"Mangoes are still on the rise, but not with the strength of years ago. Many mango producers have started to produce grapes, which are in high demand at the moment and are more profitable for producers," Juan Antonio Sono, quality-assurance manager at Procesadora Torreblanca, told FreshPlaza.es.
Mangoes of the Kent variety are in high demand, as they are useful in the fresh-food industry, but also for processing as juices and food products.
"This mango variety is the best-seller since it has the most pulp and it's fine fresh or frozen," explained Sono.
He added that 2015 was a good year for mango suppliers exporting to the European market, since prices stayed stable and demand was strong.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Gabriela Guédez. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
