For 2023–24, mandarin and tangerine production in Peru is forecast at 560,000 metric tons (MT). This is a 2% increase from the previous year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS).
WEATHER CHALLENGES
Weather presented several challenges for mandarin/tangerine producers. One challenge was above-average temperatures during summer (December 2023 to March 2024) due to warm sea conditions. Those higher temperatures resulted in increased pest presence. Summer heat waves lasting into the night impacted early varieties. Mandarins need cool weather at their later stages to achieve the color standard needed for exports.
PRODUCTION AREA
Harvested area in 2023–24 is forecast at 23,000 hectares, unchanged from the previous year. The tangerine production area is estimated at 4,500 hectares, while mandarins and other hybrids account for 18,500 hectares. Tangelos represent 15% of total mandarin/tangerine area.
Mandarins/tangerines are produced in 13 regions (out of 25). Coastal areas account for 60% of total production.
Peru’s main production areas for mandarins and tangerines are the regions of Lima, accounting for 36% of total production; Junin, 30%; and Ica, 20%.
The harvest season in Peru goes from March to October, peaking from June to August. However, the country produces mandarins/tangerines all year long.
Peru has more than 3,000 small producers with an average of 3 hectares. Yields can range from 12 to 20 MT per hectare.
EXPORT MARKET
Peruvian mandarin/tangerine exports are expected to slightly increase in 2023–24 to 210,000 MT. Between January to December 2023, Peru exported fresh mandarins/tangerines primarily to the United States (46%), Netherlands (14%) and the United Kingdom (10%). Exports reached 36 markets globally.
Exports to the United States have grown consistently in the last few years. However, in 2022–23, exports to the United States declined 30% to 95,000 MT.
See the full USDA FAS semi-annual report on Peruvian mandarins/tangerines here.
Source: USDA FAS
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