The Peruvian mandarin export industry has consolidated its position significantly over the last three seasons, growing from 36,425 metric tons (MT) in 2010 to 47,000MT last year on the back of demand from key destinations like the U.K., U.S. and northern Europe. At www.freshfruitportal.com we speak with ProCitrus president Ricardo Polis about the South American country's advantages in global markets.

Polis said the industry had been able to achieve success in markets due to the quality of Peruvian fruit in general.

"When Peru decides to export mandarins, it gives itself benchmark of the best fruit, and that's South African. The challenge is then to have fruit of equal or better quality," he said.

He said while South Africa was the main competitor, Peru had an advantage due to the location of its growing regions.

"Our coast is a desert coast where there are no weather problems such as hurricanes, rain or even frost, so that once the fruit is ready for harvest all that's left is shipping.

"This is a competitive advantage to customers who demand programs, because they know you're going to comply, that there won't be any inconveniences. What is offerred is delivered."

Peru is the fourth-largest exporter of mandarins in the Southern Hemisphere and it is are already positioned in markets like the U.K. and northern European countries such as Germany and Russia, Polis pointed to strong campaigns in the U.S. coasts and Canada. Inroads have also been made in Asia, especially in China.

"We are starting in China. During the past three years, shipments to this country have increased sharply. For my company (Consorcio de Productores de Frutas/Consortium of Fruit Growers), we began sending 200MT three years ago and we hope that this volume will rise to 1,000MT in 2013."

In terms of the Middle East, while Polis finds it to be an attractive market he says there are many logistical problems in getting to the region.

"Unfortunately shipping times are very long. We have done testing and we are taking around 45 days to get there we have to find a better combination to try to arrive in 30 days, 35 maximum, but 45 is very risky."

Polis forecasts a 10% volume rise globally for Peruvian mandarins.

"The fruit is beautiful and healthy so it should be a good season," he said.

"Exports of Satsuma mandarins will start in the next 10 to 15 days, and then varieties such as Clementines, Minneolas and Murcotts will be added; varieties that are the most relevant in terms of volume."

Minneolas are the country's leading easy peeler variety, accounting for 66% of the total at 31,600MT in 2012.

"In Minneola, we expect to maintain the volume this year and grow other varieties in a range of 10%. We want to reach approximately 51,000MT."

He said the industry also aimed to plant other varieties to avoid having too much of the same.

"We want to go away from the traditional so as to not jam the markets that already exist."

The country will be hosting the VIII International Citrus Seminar 2013 at the Hotel Los Delfines in the capital Lima, with visitors from recognized citrus growing countries worldwide including Argentina, Spain, the U.S., Israel, South Africa and the U.K.

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