Peru's fruit exports hit by El Niño drop, seek growth in camu camu market

Export volumes of Peruvian mandarins fell 43% in the week to 4 July, a direct result of the El Niño episode that has delayed fruit colour development. ProCitrus general manager Sergio del Castillo Valderrama noted, “En términos de calibres y madurez interna de la fruta va bien, pero la madurez externa es la que no termina de darse.” Overall citrus output is down 27% versus the same period in 2025, while lime, lemon and other varieties show mixed trends. The sector expects a modest recovery later in the year but warns that reduced cold could affect flowering and productivity for the 2027 campaign.

At the same time, Peru’s camu camu exports reached approximately US$1.74 million in 2025, with 87% of that value coming from powder and flour products. The United States and Japan together account for about half of global demand, driven by organic certification and long‑shelf‑life formats. Exporters are also exploring value from processing waste, aiming to create high‑value extracts from skins and seeds.

Together, these developments illustrate how climate pressures are reshaping Peru’s fruit export landscape while the industry pivots toward higher‑value, climate‑resilient products.