The Peruvian Mango Growers Association (Promango) expects an increase of 1,000ha dedicated to the crop next season, website Agraria.pe reported.

Promango president Ángel Gamarra Condori told the website there were currently 22,000ha dedicated to the crop around the country, with the majority centered in San Lorenzo, Piura at 17,000ha.

The remainder is in Motupe, Lambayeque at 3,000ha and Casma, Ancash at 2,000ha.

"Every year the number of hectares for mango crops is increasing and the next season will be no exception, with an increase of 1,000ha expected," said Gamarra Condori.

Despite weather problems during the last campaign, he highlighted exports of the fruit have risen considerably in recent years.

"In a normal year mango production is really huge, for example in 2010 we exported 132,000 metric tons (MT) [in fresh mangoes], but last year we sent just 61,000MT and for this year it is expected there will be a decline in exports, as the temperature isn't adequate for mango production," he was quoted as saying.

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