The El Niño phenomenon has caused a drop in Peru’s mango production in a season when demand remains strong, and prices are surging. “There isn’t much mango,” says Jason Wang, Vice President of Sales at Best Fruits of Peru, an export company that specializes in this fruit.
To secure enough supply, the company has stepped up its direct work with growers. “We’re doing everything we can to work directly with the growers and offer them a good price so they’re motivated to supply us more fruit so that we can meet the needs of all our customers,” says Wang. In any case, availability still heavily depends on the weather.
© Best Fruits of Peru
The shortage has driven prices up, but sales for now remain unaffected. “Since there’s a production shortage, customers are willing to pay a lot more, and they understand that we exporters are working with very tight margins,” says Wang. A large share of the cost comes down to the price paid for the fruit at the source. “This year, mangoes will be a golden fruit,” he says; a nod to the gold-colored box the company uses.
Europe remains the primary market for Best Fruits of Peru, though the United States is becoming increasingly important. After one year of operations there, the company is expecting significant growth. “It’s gone very well for us, and this year I think we’re going to double our sales, as long as we have enough fruit to ship,” says Wang. At the same time, he stresses the importance of honoring commitments to the company’s long-standing European customers.
The company ships its mangoes exclusively by air, an approach that has found greater acceptance in Europe. In the United States, consumers are more accustomed to sea-freighted products, which are typically harvested greener and firmer, with less fragrance, to withstand the longer transit.
© Best Fruits of Peru
“American consumers are starting to get used to eating airfreighted mango,” says Wang. The price gap compared to conventional mango remains a barrier, though this segment continues to grow. In Europe, demand is holding steady.
Wang sees Mexico as a complement to Peru’s supply, given the two countries’ different production periods. “When they have mango, we are not in season, and vice versa. From the clients’ perspective, we complement one another,” he says.
© Best Fruits of Peru
There is some competition from Brazil, though Wang points to the market’s preference for Peru’s Kent variety over Brazil’s Palmer. “Brazil has Palmer, which isn’t as sought-after as the Kent,” he says. Both countries are also dealing with weather-related challenges. “Climate affects everyone,” he says.
For Wang, climate uncertainty is the sector’s biggest challenge. “It’s not something we can control, and it keeps getting more complicated,” he says.
Against this backdrop, Best Fruits of Peru is counting on its expertise in post-harvest handling and logistics to maintain product quality. “We have a lot of experience in post-harvest handling and logistics, so we’re covered on that front,” says Wang.
For more information:
Jason Wang
Best Fruits
Peru
Tel.: +1 512 693 9065 / +51 999 961 697
[email protected]