Peruvian mango exports are scheduled to start up next week - a bit behind last year due frosts, said Juan Carlos Rivera, president of the Peruvian Association of Mango Producers and Exporters (APEM).

"It's not that it's delayed. That happens all the time where there is a difference of one to two weeks. This is not a delay that causes shortages on the market," he told www.freshfruitportal.com.

"It should start the first week of November but due to cold we have had to start in the second week of November."

Although the cold will also have volume below initial estimates, the crop is now forecast at a level similar to last season around 100,000 tons (MT).

"Through August we saw significant flowering that could have given greater production. But during this last period after field visits, we think it will be closer to 100,000 MT."

The main markets for the Peruvian product are the United States and Europe, which account for a 95% share.

Rivera said that a later market entrance will come with a certain advantage on these markets.

"This situation is convenient because in December we compete with Ecuador in North America and with Brazil in Europe. It is better for them to clear our of these markets for us to enter," he said.

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