Peru’s mango exporting association, APEM, told growers and exporters that mango prices are falling because immature fruit is being exported and ends up being rejected, according to local website Correo Piura.

According to Mario Salazar Vergaray, president of APEM, during the week of Nov. 22, a 20-kilogram carton of mangoes was purchased for US $10.60, but as of Dec. 11, a carton brought about US $7.43.

He said the price fell because of the mangoes’ quality. As of week 48, 6,000 metric tons had been shipped, a 27% increase over the same period last season. But the fruit arrived green and immature in the United States and Europe.

International prices for fruit are acceptable, Salazar said, but not for the immature mangoes sent by some irresponsible exporters, according to the website.

“The market will define the return prices for the exporter and the grower. And there are conditions in which this can be a good year for fresh mango exports,” Salazar is quoted as saying.

Peru’s mango exports have increased steadily in the last decade, reaching a total of 107,000 metric tons last season. The Piura region exports mainly the Kent variety.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com