Peruvian citrus exports have experienced a notable increase of 32% this year, passing the barrier of 200,000 tons, according to the Association of Citrus Producers of Peru (Procitrus). "By week 40 of this year, Peru had exported 253,000 tons. In the same period of 2019, the country had exported 189,000 tons," said Sergio del Castillo, Procitrus’ general manager. Compared to last year's exports, the export volume of Peruvian mandarins has increased by 40%, grapefruit by 24%, oranges by 30%, Tahiti lime by 18%, and Sutil lemon by 15%. The tangelo was the only species that did not grow and remained stable with a 0.5% variation.
The increase in international demand for citrus fruits this season was driven by a change in the global consumption trend as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Del Castillo added. The Association of Agricultural Producers Guilds of Peru (AGAP) reported that citrus exports from January to August of this year reached 259 million dollars, compared to 181 million registered in the same period of 2019. “It is a good year in terms of production and exports. We’ve had growth of up to 40%, as can be seen in our mandarin exports, and we’ve already surpassed the 207 million dollars in sales that were achieved in last year’s entire campaign,” said Gabriel Amaro, the executive director of AGAP.