After starting with lighter mango supplies, this is what importers expect for summer

Marco Villavisencio, mango sourcing manager, checks mangoes in Mexico for Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce Inc. “High-quality tommy atkins and honey mangoes from Mexico have been arriving in our North American forward distribution centers, as well as limited volumes of hadens,” says Mission’s Hector Soltero, vice president of sales operations.
Marco Villavisencio, mango sourcing manager, checks mangoes in Mexico for Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce Inc. “High-quality tommy atkins and honey mangoes from Mexico have been arriving in our North American forward distribution centers, as well as limited volumes of hadens,” says Mission’s Hector Soltero, vice president of sales operations.
(Photo courtesy Mission Produce Inc.)

Mango supplies were lighter than usual during the first few months of the year, and prices were higher as a result — but importers say that should change as summer approaches.

Mexico is the main source of mangoes during spring and summer months, providing more than 90% of the total supply, said Tammy Wiard, senior retail marketing manager for the Orlando, Fla.-based National Mango Board.

The supply of mangoes to the U.S. from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Brazil and Ecuador for 2020-22 has been on average 135 million boxes.

Rain early this year led to a slightly delayed start to the Mexico mango harvest, said Hector Soltero, vice president of sales operations for Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce Inc. Mission Produce receives several varieties of mangoes from multiple growing regions.

“High-quality tommy atkins and honey mangoes from Mexico have been arriving in our North American forward distribution centers, as well as limited volumes of hadens,” Soltero said.

The company also is sourcing tommy atkins mangoes from Nicaragua and Guatemala.

“As summer approaches, the harvest of fibreless varieties, such as kent and keitt mangoes, generally begins in northern and central Mexico,” he said. “We expect to start sourcing kent mangoes from Mexico in May.”

Mission Produce also plans to source organic tommy atkins, kent and keitt mango varieties from Mexico.

Mangoes with produce labels on them
Ataulfo or honey mangoes are among several varieties offered by Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce Inc., says Hector Soltero, vice president of sales operations. (Photo courtesy Mission Produce Inc.)

Central American Produce, Pompano Beach, Fla., will source mangoes from Central America until just beyond mid-May and will continue to source from several areas of Mexico throughout the summer, said CEO Michael Warren.

The company offers tommy atkins, haden and honey mangoes.

Quality has been good so far this season, Warren said.

Sizing was a little larger than normal in early April, but Warren said he expected size to drop off slightly to 8s, 9s and 10s from Mexico and Central America later in the spring.

Central American Produce also imports a few organic mangoes, which were expected to be available starting around the third week of April.

Prices were higher than usual with a light early-season mango volume, but prices were expected to drop by late April as volume picks up, Warren said.

Related news: Mexican mango volume expected to pick up

River Edge, N.J.-based Vision Import Group, which early this year formed a joint venture called Vision Global Group with Great Neck, N.Y.- based William H. Kopke Jr. Inc., is sourcing mangoes from Mexico and Guatemala this spring, said Ronnie Cohen, principal.

There should be enough mangoes for Cinco de Mayo promotions, he said.

The company imports mostly the tommy atkins variety, some honey mangoes and a few hadens. A few kents should be available from Guatemala, he added.

Quality has been good, Cohen said. Size varies by country and growing region, but he said Guatemala usually produces more smaller-size fruit than larger fruit.

Related news: National Mango Board elects 2023 officers

Some retailers prefer to stick with one size for their mango displays, Cohen said, while others like to offer a couple options to appeal to different segments of their customer base.

In early April, Soltero of Mission Produce said the size curve was leaning toward larger fruit.

“As the season progresses with harvest in the northern parts of Mexico, sizing is expected to become more balanced,” he said. “As we continue our efforts to expand our ripe mango programs nationwide, we expect to source additional volume this year to support customer demand for both honey mangoes and round varieties, such as tommy atkins, kents and keitts.”

Current per capita consumption of mangoes in the U.S is about 3.76 pounds, said Wiard of the National Mango Board.

“This represents an increase of about 19% when compared to 2018,” she said.

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.