Peru's Association of Mango Producers and Exporters (APEM) expects volumes to fall to 180,000 metric tons (MT) during the 2011-12 season, website Andina.com.pe reported.

APEM president Mario Salazar told the website the production forecast was a reduction on previous values that fluctated between 200,000-250,000MT, which led to a market oversupply and lower prices.

"For example, in the last two campaigns we have sent 300 containers of fresh mangoes weekly to the United States, when the market supports a maximum of 180 containers," Salazar was quoted as saying.

He said the lack of returns for growers meant there was less funding for re-investment, causing malnourishment and underperformance for many farms, the story reported.

"If the climatic conditions that have occured recently continue in this context, then it's predicted there would be less production in the current 2011-12 campaign."

The country's main mango-producing regions are Piura (October to January), Lambayeque (January and February) and Ancash (March). The market is broken down into 68% for export and 32% for local consumption.

Photo: Andina

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