Fewer mangoes are expected to be exported from Peru to the U.S., bringing down the total from South America in 2010, according to a U.S. Mango Board report.

Peru will send 7.3 million boxes, down from 8.5 million sent in 2009, a 12% decrease, the report said.

Ecuador is expected to ship 7.5 million boxes in 2010-11, up slightly from 7.4 million boxes in 2009-10, according to the report. About 60% of shipments are headed to the West Coast and 40% to the East Coast.

Exports from Ecuador and Peru and Brazil began in November. Ecuador’s shipments will end in January, while Peru’s will last into April, the report said.

At the port of Philadelphia, prices for Ecuador mangoes ranged between $5.60 per box and $7.50 per box, depending on size, as of Dec. 18. At South Florida, the prices were between $5.90 and $7.50 per box.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com