Exports of processed mangoes now represent 30% of mango exports in the 2009-10 season, the president of the Peruvian Association of Mango Producers and Exporters said, according to local website Andina.com.pe.

Over the last five years, the industry had developed the capacity to process dried mango, frozen mango, and mango juice and pulp, APEM’s Mario Salazar said, according to the website.

During the 2005-06 season, processed mangoes accounted for 10% of exports of the fruit. Now they are 30% of exports. Of that, 50% is canned, 20% becomes juice and 10% is dried, the website said.

Of total the total harvest, 40% of mangoes are exported fresh, 30% are processed, 25% remain in Peru for local markets and 5% go to other uses.

Salazar said the outlook for the 2010-11 season is positive because although exports could be lower than last season, the potential for processed mango is higher.

At the end of 2009-10, total mango exports were 107 tons.

According to the website, Salazar said the United States was the main export market for mangoes, but during 2009-10, 48% of exports went to Europe and 34% to the U.S. Peruvian mangoes also have entered new markets such as India, China and Japan, the website said.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com