Peru's citrus season started slowly as the industry is trying to recover from last year's El Niño weather impact. According to Sergio del Castillo, general manager of the Peru Citrus Producers Association (ProCitrus), "Our season already started, but the volumes are low. We started with Satsumas and Primosoles."
He says Peru's mandarin season start is very slow at the moment because the production of early varieties has fallen due to weather problems last year. "However, the production of mid-season and late varieties has been recovering; this year we are expecting to have a recovery of 8% compared to the previous year. On the other hand, the export of Tahiti Limes has also been growing and this year we will exceed 35,000 tons of exports of this product."
He foresees the challenges that South Africa's citrus industry is having in Europe due to Spain's aggressive lobbying on EU level will only be felt towards the end of the season. "The EU needs South African citrus, so the gap will be at the end of the season when the phytosanitary problems arise. In my opinion, low volumes that will remain until mid-year will reduce pressure on the Spanish authorities to encourage the entry of South African citrus fruits into Europe."
He is also not worried that South Africa might send more to other markets. "They will try, but they don't have too much choices, the USA is closed for most of the South African territory, only the Western Cape can export to that destination. Their other choice is China and the Middle East, but those destinations are limited in demand."
Del Castillo keeps the focus on Peru and says their weather conditions are good at this time and it is expected that the cold weather will arrive in time to have a good citrus campaign. "Last year, Peru had an exported volume of citrus fruits of 255,000 tons in all its categories of citrus fruits. This year, the exported volume is expected to reach 275,000 tons." He expects the exports to Russia to again be beset by challenges describing it as the "same as last year, the problems will persist."
As both California and Spain are finishing their citrus seasons a bit earlier Peru is well poised to supply any early gaps in these markets. "At this moment prices are good and the early ending of the Northern Hemisphere will give us in the Southern Hemisphere a good perspective on prices for the coming season," states del Castillo.
For more information:
Sergio del Castillo
ProCitrus
Tel: +51 224 9026
Email: [email protected]