The Peruvian mango sector is on high alert as experts predict a staggering 80% decrease in mango production for the 2023-2024 season. This sharp decline is largely attributed to the disruptive influence of the El Niño weather pattern.
Areas like Piura, Lambayeque, and the vicinity of Casma in Áncash, which are crucial to Peru's mango production, have been severely impacted by unusually high temperatures, leading to a significant reduction in flowering.
Major Importers Feel the Heat
The Netherlands and the United States are the leading importers of Peruvian mangoes, collectively accounting for 68% of all shipments. However, other countries are also significant players in the market. The United Kingdom, for instance, is one of the main destinations for Peruvian mangoes, along with Spain, Canada, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Chile, France, Japan, Germany, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
The UK's Mango Market and Its Dependence on Peru
The United Kingdom has a growing appetite for exotic fruits, including mangoes. Peruvian mangoes have found a niche in the UK market due to their unique flavor profile and high quality. However, the projected decline in Peruvian mango production could potentially disrupt supply chains and lead to increased prices for consumers in the UK. Retailers and distributors may need to look for alternative sources to meet the demand, which could further impact the market dynamics.
A Look at the Numbers
In the previous season, Peru exported a total of 12,000 containers of mangoes. However, the outlook for the next harvest is grim, with only 3,682 containers expected to be shipped globally. This 70% decline aligns with the severe drop in production.
Considering the fact that an average of 700 containers left Peru each week in the past season, the new projection is a mere 200 containers per week. This includes mangoes from Piura, Lambayeque, and Casma, without accounting for the Moro region, which has 3,000 acres dedicated to mango cultivation.