In recent times, Peru has gained relevance in the citrus production field, especially with mandarins, which have experienced an increase in sales thanks to the opening of new markets and the growth in agro-exports. The diversity of mandarin varieties grown in Peru is finding fertile ground in international trade.
The international mandarin market has been extremely volatile since the pandemic, as global trade cycles were affected and new competitors entered the market due to logistical and climatic complications. Initially, Peru started growing generic mandarin varieties, but over time, production has diversified towards more specialized and internationally valued varieties. They can be classified into three main groups: hybrids, such as Murcott and Nadorcott, which account for 75% of production; clementines, around 15% of the production, and Satsuma, which account for the remaining 10%.
Peruvian producers have trended towards growing late mandarin varieties, responding to the demand of the international market, with most exports focused on these varieties. The El Niño phenomenon mainly affected early varieties, resulting in a notable decrease in the production of Satsumas and certain clementines. In contrast, late varieties like Murcott and Nadorcott have seen significant growth.
Between January and July 2024, Peru exported 143,410 tons of mandarins valued at $185 million, an increase in volume and value over the same period of the previous year. The average price was $1.28/kilogram, 18% higher than last year. The United States was the main export destination, with a 54% increase in volume. Meanwhile, the volume exported to Europe decreased but prices to this destination experienced a significant increase.
Source: agraria.pe