Peru's harvest season is nearing its end. Cooler weather has helped spread the large volumes of production over several weeks, preventing prices from falling even further than expected. Some fields in Olmos, which are naturally early-ripening (March-May), are still finishing up and harvesting their last crop. This gives us insight into how the harvests have performed and the marketing strategies of exporting companies.

Talking with key players in the industry, they tell me there's good news regarding the European market. A couple of years ago, when Peru was delivering more than 600 containers a week to that market, prices were depressed to around €3.50 per box. This year, they've approached 1,000 containers a week, and prices have fallen to about €5.50. VERY good news!!! This suggests that consumption has increased significantly.

In the North American market, Peruvian supply has also increased, and prices have been better than those received on average at the same arrival dates in the European market. This is more good news for the industry. Looking ahead, it's important to improve our marketing strategy to achieve the same quality of fruit as Mexico and Colombia. This can be accomplished by working on ripening techniques and other existing strategies.

Other markets, such as Latin America, have taken advantage of the low prices. The good news is that demand in Argentina has increased, making it a promising market to serve in the future.

In Asia, we continue to grow slowly, and we expect our own fields to come into full production and help us generate off-season demand. Other markets, such as Central America, Morocco, and the Far East, also have potential and require attention.

The trees are rested after the winter weather, and the flowering for the new season is progressing well. This bodes well for higher volumes in the 2025/26 season. It's important that we prepare commercially for this and take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

Alfredo Lira Chirif, Peru alfredo@agroleal.pro