Costa Rica's mango exports fell for the third consecutive season in the first five months of 2014, according to statistics released by foreign trade association PROCOMER. 

Shipment values were down 11.1% year-on-year for the period at US$4.743 million, but the drop off in volume was sharper at 15%, reaching 6,264 metric tons (MT).

The figure represents a steady decline since 2011 when exports stood at US$8.287 million and export volume was 11,467MT.

However, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Agriculture's State Phytosanitary Service (SFE) told www.freshfruitportal.com the real news was that export markets were maintained despite difficulties in controlling fruit flies.

An SFE release highlighted 74% of exports went to the European Union while the rest were bound for the United States.

the release said six packhouses were in operation during the season and received mangoes from around 45 growers, who cultivated the fruit over 1,400 hectares.

Photo: SFE

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