Surge in Mango Prices Amid Reduced Harvest in Casma, Peru

The mango harvest in Casma, Áncash, Peru, has started with significantly higher prices for farmers this year, despite adverse weather conditions. Prices for air-exported mangoes have reached S/10 per kilo, a substantial increase from the previous year's S/1.5 per kg. Mangoes destined for sea export are currently priced at S/7 per kg, compared to just S/0.75 per kg in 2023. The domestic market is also experiencing price hikes, with mangoes now costing S/3.5 per kilo, up from S/0.5.

This season's high prices are attributed to a limited supply of mangoes and the strong demand from exporters to fulfill international contracts. Mango cultivation is a key economic activity in Casma, and the current pricing trend is significantly benefiting the region. However, the overall mango production in Casma province has been reduced to an average of only 15% due to high temperatures that have prevented proper flowering of the plants.

Similar trends have been observed in the Piura region, where mango prices have also risen sharply. The high prices in Europe are linked to the decreased production in the current campaign. This situation underlines the challenges faced by the national mango export sector and family farming in Peru. The Áncash region, being the second largest national mango exporter with over 5,000 hectares and around 3,000 producers, has seen national production decrease by 80% due to extreme heat, leading to an average production of just 20% in the fields.