Recovering Peruvian citrus score 15 percent export uptick
Peruvian citrus exports have increased 15 percent year-on-year through mid-August. The uptick signals a recovery from last year’s climate-impacted campaign, according to Sergio del Castillo, general manager of the Andean country’s Producers Association (ProCitrus).
Volumes are up across nearly all citrus categories, except for grapefruit and W. Murcott mandarins, which declined 18 percent. Del Castillo attributed the grapefruit drop to weather-related issues and said the decrease in W. Murcott volumes is likely due to a strong 2024 season.
Despite the setback for W. Murcott, total mandarin exports have grown 10 percent in volume this year, and del Castillo described fruit quality across all citrus species as “positive.”
The US remains the top destination for Peruvian citrus, though volumes shipped there have decreased five percent as exporters diversify to other markets. ProCitrus is pursuing expanded market access for mandarins in Asia, including Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Korea.
The mandarin season will continue through the end of September, followed by lemon and grapefruit shipments beginning in October.
Minneola tangelo exports rebound after seven-year decline
Peruvian Minneola tangelo exports reached 21.17 million pounds (9,604 metric tons) through week 33, a 28.76 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
“I believe this recovery is due to the climate and good management,” del Castillo said. He projected that tangelo exports would stabilize around 22 million pounds (10,000 metric tons).
Europe remains the primary destination for Peruvian Minneola tangelos, with smaller volumes going to the United States.
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