Peru's largest produce exporter Camposol recorded a 43.9% year-on-year drop in EBITDA for the first quarter of 2012, amidst a rise in sales driven by artichoke and preserved asparagus growth.

The company shipped 24,131 net metric tons (MT) with a 29% rise in sales, but EBITDA was still down at US$5.3 million.

While the average prices of goods was up 12% with US$2.79 per net kilogram (US$1.27 per net pound), the cost rose 28% to US$2.24 per net kilogram (US$1.02 per net pound). Selling prices were higher for all products except avocados and peppers.

The company said administrative expenses were up 26.67% for the period, while selling expenses rose by a third.

Mangoes registered the strongest gross margins for the period at 42.1%, followed by avocados (37%) and grapes (33.1%).

Outlook

Camposol is bullish on prospects for exotic fruit and vegetables in the international market, highlighting the growing categories of mangoes and avocados with "headroom for increased per capita consumption".

The business expects a 45% rise in avocado harvested volumes to 22,000MT in 2013, due to higher yields from old fields and new fields moving up the maturity curve.

The company highlights the opening of a U.S. office this last year and the strengthening of its European branch with additional staff.

The business also hopes to benefit from its alliance with Chilean fruit company Agricom for trading in Europe. Click here to read more about what this deal will entail.

The Camposol report added that the asparagus market was stable but supply was falling due to reduced eports from China.

Related story: Alliance a "plus for sales rates", says Camposol Agricom Fresh

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