Mexico's Persian lime exports rose 52.5% year-on-year from January to April in 2011, reaching close to US$98 million, according to a government release.

Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA) announced the US$97.988 million in exports equate to 84,825 metric tons (MT) of the fruit.

The growth figure continues from an 18.5% rise in 2010, when exports of both the Key and Persian varieties were shipped to 21 countries with an annual value of US$2213 million.

Mexico's main lime export markets are the U.S., Spain, Argentina and Turkey, while SAGARPA highlights growth opportunities in Ireland, Switzerland, Italy and Germany.

The country's Agrifood and Fishing Information Service (SIAP) says Michoacán, Veracruz and Colima are Mexico's main lime-growing states, while 24 other states also grow the fruit.

Mexico grows limes for almost the whole year, but around 70% of production occurs between May and October.

Photo: www.ucol.mx

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