Peru’s citrus crop will recover from a drop in production last year and show continued volume growth and increased shipments to the United States, according to a USDA report.

The crop experienced a sharp drop of 40% to 46,985 metric tons (MT) in 2009 due to weather problems, but is expected to regain strength in 2010 and reach a total of 64,000 MT this year. The crop in 2011 should grow slightly on this year’s forecast to reach 70,000 MT, the report said.

In 2009 the bulk of Peru’s citrus crop went to the UK (26%), the US (24%), the Netherlands (22%) and Canada (10%).

The USDA also said that citrus producers in Peru are organized and use a high degree of technology to grow the citrus, especially in terms of irrigations systems.

Peru exports oranges, mandarins, tangelos and limes. The regions of Lima and Ica, on the central coast, and Junin in the central rainforest are Peru’s main producers of oranges, mandarins and tangelos. The Piura region in the northern coast is the principal lime producer.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com