Mangoes

The $40 Taste of Home: Diaspora Demand Drives Indian Mango Surge

Tue, 12 May 2026 22:49:35 GMT

For the Indian diaspora in the U.S., a box of mangoes isn’t just a produce purchase; it’s a $40 plane ticket home. While Latin American varieties dominate the mainstream market, Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of India’s Kay Bee Exports, says the skyrocketing demand for Indian alphonso and kesar varieties proves that emotional heritage and superior flavor profiles can bypass rational pricing logic.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported premium varieties of Indian mangoes, such as alphonso and kesar, are retailing in the U.S. for $50 to $60 per box of 10 to 12 mangoes — putting the stone fruit on a price point on par with lobster tails.

“There was a fair bit of exaggeration in those comments,” says Khakhar, who told The Packer that while the true price is closer to $40 per box of 10 to 12 mangoes, what isn’t an exaggeration is the U.S.-based Indian community’s appetite for a taste of home.

“I think the emotion of Indian consumers has been very well captured so that there is no denying the Indian diaspora feels that this is their way to connect to their homeland, and the flavor of the mango is way different and superior to other mangoes,” says Khakhar. “So, I think in that sense, there is a definite craving for Indian mangoes, and that’s why … they are happy to pay $40 a case [of 10 to 12] for the Indian mango.

“Does it mean the flavor is four times superior?” he continues. “No, so it’s not a rational purchase. It is more an emotional purchase. And the Indian diaspora is a very affluent community. They can spend more for good food. And this is one thing that they can proudly claim is their heritage.”

In India, a country that boasts over 1,000 mango varieties, the battle for the U.S. mango market has narrowed down to a tactical race between two titans: the delicate, high-demand alphonso and the sturdier, export-ready kesar, says Khakhar. What’s more, a preference for alphonso mangoes may have slowed market demand for Indian mango imports to the U.S.

“[Kesar and alphonso] are the No. 1 and No. 2 varieties in the U.S. Kesar is the most stable. The most demanded variety is alphonso, but because it is so delicate and it does not yield good commercial outcomes, kesar has overtaken alphonso,” Khakhar says.

The CEO says that inconsistent eating experience with alphonso has led to kesar’s takeover.

“People have actually graduated now to kesar because it’s a rational thing that when you buy kesar, you don’t go wrong. But with alphonso, it’s a hit and a miss in terms of internal issues,” he says. “That’s why the kesar has probably been 50% of all the varieties that India [exports]. It’s by far the most dominant variety that is coming to the U.S.”

Kay Bee Exports CEO Kaushal Khakhar sees major potential for Indian mangoes in the U.S. market.

(Photo courtesy of Kay Bee Exports)

India Dominates in Mangoes

Despite India’s status as a global powerhouse — accounting for roughly 40% to 45% of world production — the country has historically struggled to translate its massive domestic yield into export dominance, says Khakhar, who notes that this trend is shifting.

A key factor in the global mango trade is the complementary timing between regional rivals India and Pakistan. While both nations produce high-quality varieties, their harvest windows rarely overlap; the Indian season peaks in April, May and June, while Pakistani varieties typically arrive in June, July and August, says Khakhar. This sequential availability allows the Asian diaspora and broader consumer base to transition from Indian mangoes to Pakistani varieties as the summer progresses, effectively extending the window for South Asian produce in European and Western markets.

The U.S. market represents a particularly fertile ground for expansion. According to Khakhar, India currently exports approximately 4,000 tons of mangoes to the U.S. annually. Kay Bee Exports has secured a significant foothold in this specific corridor, handling between 1,000 and 1,200 tons, or roughly a quarter to a third of the total Indian market share in the U.S.

While these numbers are currently a small fraction of India’s overall production, they represent a high-growth sector that has been steadily building momentum since market access was first established in 2007.

“It took a very long time for India to really start picking up in mango export numbers,” says Khakhar. “I think the first 10 to 15 years were [defined by] complicated logistics, and people were not able to execute the delivery of good quality mangoes. I [also] think everyone was focusing on alphonso, and that was the reason why the market never really grew, because they were trying the wrong variety.”

While Kay Bee Exports has its own mango farms, to sustain its growth, the company is leveraging India’s network of millions of small-scale farmers to scale its operations to meet skyrocketing international demand.

“And now people realize that they should go slow on alphonso and focus on other things and that has really helped India as we establish consumer confidence, and hence the growth in the market,” he says. “I anticipate India will grow from 4,000 tons right now to touch 10,000 tons in the next five to seven years in the U.S. market.”

Overcoming the Irradiation Knowledge Gap

While Indian mango exporters are now backing the right horse with the switch from alphonso to kesar, the industry faces another hurdle with the U.S. irradiation requirement for all mangoes from India entering the U.S. market.

Irradiation is a necessary treatment for Indian mangoes because it is the only effective method to eliminate the mango stone weevil, says Khakhar. While hot water treatments can address fruit flies, they are ineffective against the stone weevil, a pest of significant concern for U.S. agricultural authorities. Consequently, irradiation is required by U.S. regulations to ensure that these pests are not introduced into the country, making it a critical gateway for Indian mango exports.

The CEO also emphasizes that irradiation is a superior alternative to other common treatments.

“Irradiation is a great process because it is very gentle on the fruit,” he says. “It is definitely not as toxic as methyl bromide fumigation. It is also not as intrusive on the fruit as hot water or any other treatments.”

Despite being FDA-approved and backed by global research confirming its safety, Khakhar expresses disappointment that consumer misconceptions and retailer hesitation — particularly among high-end and organic grocers — continue to hinder the market potential of irradiated fruits.

‘Manageable’ Mango Prices for Consumers

While recent headlines might suggest that Indian mango prices in the U.S. have reached epic heights, the reality on the ground is far more nuanced.

Khakhar says the actual cost increase has been roughly 10% compared to last year — a figure he describes as “manageable” and “normal food inflation.”

What’s currently driving up the cost of mango imports from India is air freight costs, which have jumped by 20% due to the conflict in the Middle East, says Khakhar, who adds the surge has been partially offset by a favorable exchange rate and the removal of import tariffs that previously plagued the trade.

Though Khakhar points out that even when tariffs were in place, they were often a minor factor in the final retail price of mangoes. Because air freight accounts for roughly 70% of a mango’s cost and is not subject to tariffs, a 10% tax only applied to the remaining 30% of the value — effectively a 3% impact.

Ultimately, the 2026 Indian mango season is defined by resilience, says Khakhar, with exporters like Kay Bee maintaining a steady supply of the in-demand fruit.

“If the Middle East conflict does normalize quickly — right now it is in a pause phase — but if everything normalizes and then takes a couple of weeks for air freight prices to come down, we may go even below last year’s prices,” says Khakhar. “But right now, we are higher than that with the current way things stand.

“But the market size is very large, and our aspiration is to take the flavor of Indian mangoes to a wider community,” he says.

Sun World Launches Late-Season Mango Variety

Fri, 08 May 2026 23:32:16 GMT

Sun World International says its global mango program offers late-season availability with its Blyde Late variety. Imported from South Africa, Blyde Late remains in the market in May, while other varieties traditionally taper off, Sun World says.

“Blyde Late is a powerful example of what this program is built to do,” says Bernardo Calvo, president and CEO of Sun World International. “It allows our partners to stay in the market longer, even when others are already out. That’s a meaningful shift — and it reflects our broader goal of creating a more consistent, reliable mango category through innovation.”

Sun World hosted three field days attended by South African growers, as well as international marketers and distributors, to give partners firsthand access to commercial mango offerings and the opportunity to engage with the company’s technical, commercial and quality teams. Sun World says its Berlin Mango Symposium provided a platform to share insights into its breeding focus, commercialization model and long-term vision for a premium, year-round mango supply.

The company says this approach to its mango program will address market opportunities and address flavor, appearance, shelf life, long seasonality and high productivity with its breeding program — and Blyde Late exemplifies that approach. The variety offers strong yield potential, excellent fruit size and high sugar content, according to Sun World, which adds that at full maturity, Blyde Late extends the mango season well beyond traditional windows.

“It’s not just about having great fruit but having great quality for an extended period of time,” says Gerardo Lugo, chief commercial officer at Sun World. “With Blyde Late, we’re helping our partners capture value in a part of the season that historically has been underserved. That’s where real commercial advantage starts to take shape.”

Sun World has recently collaborated with Mission Produce to tackle the category’s long-standing consistency issues through a major new variety development collaboration.

“We’re building a program that connects breeding, commercialization and global partnerships in a way that hasn’t been done before in mangoes,” Calvo says. “And we’re doing it with a clear focus — delivering better fruit, more consistently, across the entire season.”

National Mango Board Launches Campaign and Shares Research

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:24:19 GMT

The Orlando, Fla.-based National Mango Board introduced its Cinco de Mango campaign in late March, “a popular time for mangoes,” says Lavanya Setia, marketing director, and has posted results of some recent board-sponsored research on its website, mango.org/research .

For retailers, the Cinco de Mango campaign means special bins and other point-of-sale materials, Setia says. For consumers, the board is focusing on recipes.

Early this year, the board posted results of a number of studies, including a look at the impact of mangoes on prediabetic adults and overweight adults.

A randomized controlled study from Florida State University that included 23 adults with prediabetes showed that daily mango intake improves glycemic and body composition outcomes in adults with prediabetes. One group ate 300 grams of fresh mango daily for 24 weeks, while the other group ate a calorie-matched granola bar and avoided eating mangoes for 24 weeks.

At the end of the 24-week period, mango eaters had:

Significantly lower fasting blood glucose.
Significantly improved insulin sensitivity.
Stable average blood glucose, while the control group showed a significant increase in average blood glucose.

A study from the Illinois Institute of Technology included 46 overweight or obese adults and showed that mango consumption is associated with increased insulin sensitivity in participants with overweight or obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation.

One group ate 2 cups of mangoes daily for four weeks and another avoided mango consumption and other high-polyphenol foods. All participants completed an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test at the beginning and end of the four-week study.

Compared to the baseline, the group eating mangoes for four weeks had significantly lower insulin concentrations following the test and significantly lower fasting insulin concentrations than the other group, the study showed.

Smart Merchandising Tips to Help Boost Mango Sales

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:04:25 GMT

Merchandising tactics like creating huge displays and focusing on core volume drivers might help retailers move more mangoes, distributors say.

“We have always contended that when you get really, really large displays out there, you move more fruit,” says Chris Ciruli, partner at Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros.

“We’re talking about trying to convince retailers to go to 8- to 16-foot displays — something very impressive and eye-catching when you walk in the store that gives you that impulse buy,” he says.

Ciruli says he’s seen that technique work firsthand and adds that the National Mango Board plans to conduct research to back up that claim.

During the late winter and early spring, when weather issues might still exist in parts of the country, selling mangoes can be a challenge, he says, even though volume is picking up.

“But when you see these large displays of ripened fruit on display, it gives that impulse buy, and we do see fruit move better,” Ciruli says.

Display size has everything to do with boosting mango sales, agrees JoJo Shiba, West Coast director for GM Produce Sales LLC, Hidalgo, Texas, especially if those displays appear at the right time.

For example, honey mangoes will be peaking through the third week of April, she says. So, now is the time to go in on honey mango displays.

Sebastian Sanchez Jr., director of sales and procurement for Santis Produce LLC, Pharr, Texas, recommends focusing on core volume drivers — tommy atkins, kent and keitt varieties — along with honey (ataulfo) mangoes.

“Keeping the set simple but effective helps drive movement and avoids overwhelming the customer,” he says.

He adds that it’s a good idea to display a mix of bulk and packaged product.

“Bulk drives impulse purchases and strong volume, while consumer packs provide convenience and consistency, helping build customer confidence and repeat purchases,” Sanchez says.

When it comes to consumer packs, Ciruli suggests cardboard packs or clamshell containers rather than plastic bags.

“We still see a lot of retailers using plastic bags with mangoes,” he says. “Mangoes don’t ship well in bags; they don’t breathe well in bags.”

Ciruli Bros. offers a 5-pound cardboard consumer pack as well as clamshell containers.

In ethnic communities, retailers may be able to sell mangoes by stacking boxes outside the entrance to the store or just inside the door, he says.

“It really helps push volume to have large displays with boxes involved,” Ciruli says.

Cross-merchandising is another way retailers might sell more mangoes, distributors say.

“Mangoes pair extremely well with other tropical items like pineapples, which we also supply under our label,” Sanchez says.

Retailers can cross-merchandise mangoes with limes and chili-lime seasonings to enhance the overall tropical display and drive additional sales, Sanchez adds.

Ciruli also suggests cross-merchandising mangoes with complementary fruit items like avocados, Hispanic-style foods or Hispanic food flavorings.

“There are definitely a lot of cross-merchandising ideas we’re trying to push to get mangoes in more places than just the produce section,” he says.

Shiba suggests merchandising all or some mangoes with citrus items because of their high vitamin C content.

Some retailers started that during the COVID-19 pandemic and saw sales spike, she says.

Displaying both red and yellow mangoes is another good merchandising tip, she says, and ideally, more than one size.

No matter the mango variety, Lavanya Setia, director of marketing for the National Mango Board, Orlando, Fla., says it’s best to avoid storing whole mangoes in freezers or refrigerators, and she suggests using mangoes to complement produce items such as berries (for smoothies) or avocados.

And don’t overlook opportunities with organic mangoes.

“Offering organic mangoes gives customers the ability to choose and expands your reach to health-conscious shoppers,” Sanchez says. “Having that option available is increasingly important in today’s retail environment.”

How Mango Season is Shaping Up After a Strong Start

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:24:58 GMT

Mango movement from Mexico got off to a strong start in January and February, and importers were hopeful that a heat wave that kicked off in March would let up in time to keep that forward momentum flowing into the late spring and summer.

“The mango market from Mexico continues to rise in volume,” says Chris Ciruli, partner at Ciruli Bros. LLC, Rio Rico, Ariz. “We are running ahead of last year by over a million cases already,” he said March 19.

The round mango deal is coming on faster than the yellow deal, which he says is “an oddity for this time of year.”

April 11-18 should be the peak of the southern Mexico deal out of Oaxaca, Chiapas and Michoacan, mostly on yellow mangoes, but some round varieties will start pushing as well, he says.

“There will be plenty of fruit coming in during the month of April to make it a very active mango month,” Ciruli says.

More than 92% of the mangoes sold in the U.S. during the spring and summer come from Mexico, according to the Orlando, Fla.-based National Mango Board.

Volume in 2025 was 465,394,368 mangoes, a 14.7% increase over 2024. Per capita consumption was 3.8 pounds.

Quality has been excellent to start the season, especially out of Oaxaca, says Sebastian Sanchez Jr., director of sales and procurement for Santis Produce LLC, Pharr, Texas.

“We are seeing beautiful blush on tommy atkins mangoes, which customers respond very well to at retail,” he says. “We are seeing a higher percentage of larger fruit this year out of Oaxaca.”

Tommy atkins, kent and keitt are the industry’s most reliable and promotable mangoes, he adds.

Overall mango volume out of Michoacan is projected to be lower this year, says Wade Shiba, a managing partner at GM Produce Sales LLC, Hidalgo, Texas.

“Red mangoes are just barely starting out of that area and are expected to go until mid-May,” he said in late March. “Oaxaca is also projected to go until mid-May with their red mango production.”

The newer areas of Nayarit and Jalisco will have a later-than-normal start for both red and yellow mangoes, and a gap in production could occur in the latter part of May, he says.

Fuel costs have been driving up costs for everyone, Shiba adds.

“We are seeing huge increases in freight rates this year due to lack of truck drivers and astronomical fuel costs,” he says. “That adds a significant amount to the cost of the mangoes.”

April 11-18 should be the peak of the southern Mexico deal out of Oaxaca, Chiapas and Michoacan, mostly on yellow mangoes, but some round varieties will start pushing as well, says Chris Ciruli, partner at Ciruli Bros. LLC, Rio Rico, Ariz. “We are running ahead of last year by over a million cases already,” he said March 19.

(Photo courtesy of Ciruli Bros. LLC)

Mango movers are pleased with the relatively long gap this year between the two spring mango holidays — Easter and Cinco de Mayo — Ciruli says.

“It’s hard to separate the two promotions when they are close together,” he says.

“It gives us a long time to get ready for Cinco de Mayo, which is much more advantageous.”

There was some concern that record high temperatures in March could interfere with floration on the mango trees and impact volume later in the season.

“[Hot weather] doesn’t have an immediate effect, but it has a lingering effect several months from now,” he says. “The mango industry is looking into how are we going to come out in the months of May and June.”

It’s hard to tell whether warm weather will just delay the mango crops or if the crops won’t be as abundant as the season progresses, he says.

There is a positive effect of having the warm weather.

“Heat produces really, really good, sweet fruit, so when you have temperatures like this, you’re going to have some great eating-quality fruit on the shelf for consumers,” Ciruli says. “That is a fantastic byproduct of us being so warm this time of year.”

In general, higher temperatures, especially warmer nights, can accelerate the ripening process and tighten the fruit shelf-life window, Sanchez says.

“At this point [in late March], we still feel confident in the crop and the overall production,” he says.

Santis Produce continues to strengthen its vertically integrated mango program across Oaxaca, Michoacan and Sinaloa, allowing the company to build reliable, long-term programs with its retail partners, Sanchez says.

“We’ve also been refining our private label packaging with a focus on clean, retail-ready presentations that support strong shelf appeal and consistent movement,” he says.

The company has added a dehydrated mango line, offering a “value-added, healthy snack option that complements the fresh category and helps extend mango consumption beyond the produce department,” he says.

GM Produce Sales has launched a 100% tree-ripened program for haden mangoes, says JoJo Shiba, West Coast director. It kicked off in the mango industry within the past year or two, she says.

“This year it has really taken off,” Shiba says. “The result is a much better-tasting mango, because the longer you leave it on the tree, the sweeter the mango gets.”

GM Produce Sales offers the tree-ripened fruit in 9-pound crates with about 12 or 22 mangoes per crate.

Two Produce Powerhouses Seek to Reinvent the Mango Category

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:04:20 GMT

In a move aimed at reshaping the global mango landscape, fruit genetics company Sun World International and avocado supplier Mission Produce have joined forces to tackle the category’s long-standing consistency issues through a major new variety development collaboration.

Sun World International, a global leader in fruit genetics and variety licensing, and Mission Produce, a world leader in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh hass avocados, have announced a collaboration to explore opportunities in the mango category, with a shared focus on identifying innovative, commercially viable varieties that benefit growers, retailers and consumers.

Despite strong and growing global demand, the mango category has long been defined by inconsistent eating quality and limited variety differentiation, according to a news release. This limited variety differentiation is a gap that Sun World and Mission Produce have been independently working to close.

The companies say their collaboration unites Sun World’s decades of experience in plant breeding, global evaluation and variety commercialization with Mission Produce’s supply chain expertise, grower relationships and market reach across key production regions, including Mexico, Brazil, Peru and beyond.

“Mangoes are a category full of potential, and most people in the industry know there’s a real opportunity to innovate to bring a great eating experience every time,” says Bernardo Calvo, president and CEO of Sun World International. “As we continue to build our mango portfolio — from our earliest commercial introductions through late-season selections — we see real value in working alongside partners like Mission. What drew us to them is that they get it — they aren’t afraid to innovate boldly. Both of our organizations care about quality, think long-term and are willing to explore what’s next to lift the entire category. That’s the kind of partner we want to be building with.”

Sun World says its mango program represents one of the most significant investments in mango variety development in the industry today. Following its acquisition of the world’s largest mango breeding program through the Biogold transaction, Sun World has rapidly expanded its pipeline and commercial offerings.

The company now has three commercial mango varieties available for licensing, including Kankun, acquired in 2023 as an early-season variety. Kankun has nine advanced selections currently undergoing evaluation across international growing regions, and nearly 600 new potential varieties in early-stage assessment, targeting an extended window harvest.

Officially launched at Fruit Logistica earlier this year, Sun World’s mango program is designed to give growers access to differentiated, proprietary genetics with the agronomic performance and market demand needed to delight consumers and build a sustainable, profitable business.

Mission Produce brings expertise in mango sourcing, ripening and distribution — leveraging the same vertically integrated infrastructure that has made the company a category leader in avocados to elevate the mango category, the release says. Mission Produce has invested significantly in mango category development in recent years, including targeted retail programs designed to grow household penetration and consumer trust.

“We see a significant opportunity to grow the mango category by delivering a more consistent, premium eating experience to consumers around the world,” says John Pawlowski, president and chief operating officer of Mission Produce. “This collaboration builds on the strong foundation we’ve established in mangos and brings together Sun World’s leadership in variety innovation with Mission’s global sourcing, vertical integration and ripening expertise. Together, we can accelerate progress toward a more reliable, high-quality experience for consumers.”

The companies say the collaboration represents a shared intent to explore which varieties, production regions and market opportunities may offer the greatest commercial potential for growers and retailers alike.

“From our vertically integrated farms in Peru to our broader year-round sourcing network, and through to our advanced ripening capabilities at retail, every step plays a role in delivering the World’s Finest Mangoes,” says Keith Barnard, senior vice president of global sourcing at Mission Produce. “That commitment to quality and consistency starts at the source and carries through the entire supply chain. When we deliver on that promise, it drives stronger retail performance, builds consumer trust, and ultimately fuels long-term growth for the category.”

For growers, the collaboration signals an opportunity to access and trial a new generation of proprietary mango varieties designed to deliver superior eating quality, broader market appeal and stronger returns, say the companies.

Both Sun World and Mission Produce see production regions across Latin America as central to that vision, with opportunities for expanded collaboration as new varieties move through the commercial pipeline.

Growers interested in learning more about trialing, evaluating or producing Sun World mango varieties can visit the company’s website .

15% Tariff Lifted on Ecuadorian Fruit, Floral Imports

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:54:50 GMT

The produce industry is celebrating the U.S.-Ecuador Agreement on Reciprocal Trade , which carries meaningful implications for importers of bananas, pineapples, mangoes and floral from Ecuador into the U.S. market, says the International Fresh Produce Association.

Under the agreement, the U.S. will apply most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff treatment to Ecuadorian cut flowers and agricultural goods such as bananas, pineapples and mangoes.

IFPA says this translates to the removal of the additional 15% tariff that has been in place, bringing effective duty rates back to the base MFN rate which varies by product. Under this agreement, Ecuador will also remove or reduce barriers on over 90% of the U.S. agriculture products exported into the country, which includes U.S. grown produce.

While full duty-free access was not achieved, as the Generalized System of Preferences has not been renewed, this agreement meaningfully reduces the cost burden on floral importers and helps restore more predictable trade flows, said IFPA in a news release.

“We are encouraged by this agreement and what it means for the movement of floral products from Ecuador into the U.S. market,” says Colleen Fagundus, IFPA’s director of floral. “Reducing these tariff barriers is an important step toward ensuring our members can operate with greater certainty and competitiveness. We will continue to advocate for further progress, including GSP renewal and additional reciprocal trade agreements in the region, that would benefit floral importers across the supply chain.”

IFPA says it is committed to monitoring developments as this agreement goes into practice, which is currently targeted for August 2026, and will keep members informed as additional details become available.

How Buying Mangoes and Produce Brings Clean Water to Those in Need

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:35:54 GMT

World Water Day 2026 is nearing on March 22. UN-Water, the coordinating body of the United Nations’ water and sanitation efforts, sets an official theme and campaign each year. In 2026, the theme is “Water and Gender,” and the accompanying campaign is, “Where water flows, equality grows.”

These messages accurately frame water and sanitation as a human rights issue that affects health, education, dignity and opportunity. For Continental Fresh, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America, the message is deeply personal.

While lack of clean water and sanitation affects entire communities, the UN notes that women and girls can carry a significant burden, resulting in lost time and reduced opportunity, along with strain to health and safety.

Simple Actions Can Bring Lasting Solutions

Part of the answer is as simple as buying produce; just look for the blue Water For All label on mangoes, cucumbers or butternut squash.

Continental Fresh says simple actions can create major changes when they’re taken together with others, and it doesn’t get any simpler than buying the fruits and vegetables you use every day.

Proceeds from every Water For All produce sale fund gravity-driven aqueducts, filtration systems, ventilated-improved pit latrines and other clean water and sanitation initiatives. These projects, carried out with Continental Fresh’s partner, Blue Missions, bring reliable water access and sanitation to communities in need. These projects are a catalyst for life-changing improvements, including better community health, increased school attendance and more economic opportunity.

So far, Water For All sales and fundraising have helped bring clean water access to almost 37,000 people, along with improved sanitation access to over 12,400, according to the company. The purpose-driven produce brand earned national recognition in 2025, receiving first place in the Brand Citizenship category at the National Agri-Marketing Association’s Best of NAMA Awards.

“Water is a foundation of community health and opportunity,” says Albert Perez, CEO of Continental Fresh and founder of Water For All. “World Water Day reminds us that access to safe water changes everything. It helps children stay in school, supports healthier families and opens the door to greater opportunity.”

An urgent need for clean water work remains. According to the latest World Health Organization and UNICEF reporting, 1 in 4 people around the globe lack access to safe drinking water. That’s 2.1 billion people.

“This World Water Day, we invite retailers, partners and shoppers to choose produce that stands for more,” Perez says. “When you choose Water For All produce, you are not only choosing premium fruit and vegetables, but you are also making clean water possible in communities that deserve to thrive.”

To learn more about Continental Fresh’s Water For All program, visit continentalfresh.com/purpose . To learn more about World Water Day 2026, visit unwater.org .

4 Powerhouse Plants to Supercharge Your Weekly Variety

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:34:58 GMT

Editor’s note: This column is part of an ongoing series , “The 30 Different Plants Per Week Challenge, Retail Edition.”

For anyone taking on the 30 Different Plants Per Week Challenge, the retail aisles are currently bursting with some serious nutritional heavy hitters.

While the challenge is often about quantity, recent research highlighted by several major growers reminds us that quality and variety are just as vital for our long-term resilience. From protecting your heart to boosting your mood, here are four powerhouse plants to add to your rotation this week, followed by actionable ways retailers can promote these habits.

The Fiber Foundation: Apples

We often hear that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but the current push from Honeybear Brands is specifically focused on the “why.” With March being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it is a perfect time to remember that apples are a premier source of fiber.

This is critical, because roughly 97% of men and 90% of women in the U.S. do not meet their daily fiber needs. By keeping the peel on your apples, you consume phytochemicals like flavonoids and polyphenols that help fight certain cancers. Beyond digestive health and cancer protection, emerging research shows fiber can even protect our brains by slowing down symptoms of cognitive decline.

Whether you slice them into a salad or pair them with peanut butter, they are a simple, affordable way to sneak more preventive nutrition into your day.

“We know shoppers are looking to make informed choices. They are aware of fiber’s contribution to good gut health, which supports overall health,” says Kristi Harris, marketing director for Honeybear Brands. “And with apples, it’s easy to sneak more fiber into our diets. Whether you take an apple with you as an on-the-go snack, slice it up instead of chips for lunch or add to a dish for dinner, apples deliver on taste and health in spades. Plus, they are very affordable.”

The Mood Booster: Blueberries

If you find yourself feeling a bit more optimistic after your morning smoothie, it might not just be the caffeine. According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, a new study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition suggests that women who consumed a diet containing flavonoid-rich foods scored higher in feelings of happiness and optimism over time.

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds present in a variety of plant foods. However, the researchers found that women who consumed approximately three servings per day of flavonoid-rich foods such as blueberries, strawberries, apples and citrus fruits demonstrated a 3% to 16% greater likelihood of sustained happiness and optimism.

The results suggest a bidirectional relationship, where women who maintained higher levels of happiness and optimism were more likely to sustain a healthier, flavonoid-rich diet over time.

“What we found most compelling is the potential for a ‘virtuous cycle’ between diet and mental outlook,” says lead researcher Aedin Cassidy. “Not only do flavonoid-rich foods like berries and apples appear to bolster long-term happiness and optimism, but women who feel better are also more likely to maintain those healthy habits. It suggests that simple, everyday dietary choices can be a powerful tool for supporting psychological resilience as we age.”

The Heart-Healthy Power Couple: Mango and Avocado

Perhaps the most exciting news for your weekly menu is the discovery of a superfruit pairing that targets heart health. Research from the Illinois Institute of Technology recently found that combining an avocado and 1 cup of mango daily can support key markers of cardiovascular wellness. In a study of adults with prediabetes, this specific combination led to improved blood vessel function and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

Individually, these two fruits are already nutritional heavyweights. Mangoes provide over 20 different vitamins and minerals, while avocados offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and zero sugar. To make these a staple, you might try Mango Avocado Spring Rolls or Easy Mango Chicken Stir Fry .

For those looking for culturally relevant ways to manage health, chef Pati Jinich and Avocados From Mexico are currently promoting diabetes-friendly recipes like Lime Rubbed Chicken Tacos that use the healthy fats of avocado to create meals that are both nutritious and traditional.

By integrating these four plants, you aren’t just checking off a list; you are actively fueling your body’s defense systems.

Retail Insights

For retail grocers, these research findings offer a goldmine for seasonal merchandising and community engagement. Since March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Honeybear Brands is already encouraging retailers to use point-of-sale materials featuring the recognized blue ribbon to remind shoppers of the vital link between apple consumption and cancer prevention.

Because most Americans currently fall short of their daily fiber requirements, high-visibility signage near apple displays can serve as a helpful nudge for customers looking to improve their gut health and reduce disease risk.

Beyond apples, there is a significant opportunity to cross-promote mangoes and avocados together. Given the new research suggesting that eating these two fruits daily can improve blood vessel function and blood pressure, grocers might consider “Heart-Health Bundle” displays, placing fresh mangoes and avocados in the same refrigerated or ambient endcap — perhaps alongside recipe cards.

Finally, retailers can tap into the virtuous cycle of mental well-being by highlighting flavonoid-rich fruits like blueberries and strawberries near the checkout or in the front of the produce department. By framing these fruits as tools for psychological resilience and optimism, you move the conversation beyond simple dieting and into the realm of total holistic wellness.

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Mission Produce Adds Lidded Mango Carton

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:20:16 GMT

Mission Produce, a producer and distributor of fresh hass avocados, has launched a new 4-kilogram lidded mango carton. The company says this consumer-ready packaging solution is designed to help retailers streamline merchandising and drive incremental mango sales.

Mission says this packaging is designed as a single-sell unit, which features a bold, orange design and a distinctive lid that showcases the fruit while protecting quality. The stackable format allows for flexible placement on-shelf or in secondary displays, enabling retailers to quickly build high-impact merchandising destinations. Mission says this packaging can help retailers showcase mangoes during holidays, promotional events and other high-traffic selling periods.

The company says it is packing Peruvian kents in the cartons and will transition to a Mexican supply in March. The carton accommodates round mango varieties, including kent, keitt, tommy atkins and haden, across multiple sizes, offering customers consistent supply options throughout the season.

“With demand for mangoes continuing to build, retailers are looking for solutions that are both operationally efficient and visually compelling,” says Brooke Becker, senior vice president of sales at Mission Produce. “Our new lidded mango carton was developed with the retailer in mind; it arrives display-ready, creates a strong in-store presence and supports impulse purchases during key promotional windows. We anticipate this format will help our partners elevate the mango category while simplifying execution at store level.”

Move Over Chocolate: Fresh Del Monte Says Give the Gift of Fruit This Valentine’s Day

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:42:31 GMT

BERLIN — Fresh Del Monte showed retailers how an artificial intelligence-powered robot can inspire produce gift-giving this Valentine’s Day at last week’s Fruit Logistica 2026.

Its Servi robotic cart moved St. Valentine Special Edition mangoes, pineapples and Red Passion kiwifruit in and around its booth.

On display was a trio of St. Valentine Special Edition delights including Red Passion kiwifruit, a red-flesh fruit from Italy packed in “Zootopia 2” movie-themed packages; juicy and tender Fresh Del Monte Gold Baby Pineapples from Kenya by Air; and Mango by Air “Ready to Love” mangoes.

“The Kenyan baby pineapples are a bonsai, single-portion concept,” says Thierry Montagne, senior regional marketing director for Europe and Africa at Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., while the special edition Mango by Air makes a perfect gift for “your dear one.”

From red-fleshed kiwifruit to Mangoes by Air and baby pineapples from Kenya were among the Valentine’s Day-themed products on display from Fresh Del Monte at Fruit Logistica 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Fresh Del Monte has seen success with Servi boosting banana sales in the U.S. The concept was trialed at three Chicago-area Jewel-Osco stores in October. The robotic cart outfitted with bananas on its trays approached shoppers in the produce aisle to pitch banana purchase and consumption.

“Sales of bananas increased at the Jewel stores as a result,” says Danny Dumas, senior vice president for Florida-based Fresh Del Monte. “It helped boost banana sales because it’s something new.”

Dumas says Fresh Del Monte may expand the robot trial to a few stores in Texas and New York as well.

The robot can play fun and informational videos and has sensors to stop when approached.

Store managers can program and change Servi’s route and offerings every day if they want, Montagne says.

Fresh Del Monte is also promoting exotic fruit on Facebook for Valentine’s Day.

“Still gifting the same Valentine’s favorites? Switch it up this year. Surprise them with something bold, unexpected, and unforgettable — Pinkglow,” says the company’s Facebook page touting the pink pineapple and offering creative usage and presentation ideas for the holiday and beyond.

Your next read: What’s the Future of the Produce Department? A Fresh Del Monte Exec Talks Vision, Strategy, New Acquisition

Mission Produce to Acquire Calavo in $430M Deal, Creating Global Avocado Powerhouse

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:24:14 GMT

Global producer and distributor of fresh avocados Mission Produce says it has entered into an agreement to acquire Calvo Growers, a provider of fresh avocados, tomatoes, papayas and value-added prepared foods.

Founded more than 100 years ago as the original avocado company in North America, Calavo Growers’ offerings now include fresh avocados sourced from California, Mexico, Peru and Colombia; tomatoes; Hawaiian papayas; and a variety of ready-to-eat products such as guacamole and salsas. Its products are sold under the Calavo brand name, proprietary sub-brands, as well as private labels and store brands.

Mission Produce says the transaction values Calavo at a total enterprise value of approximately $430 million and the deal is expected to close by the end of August 2026.

“Calavo is one of the most established names in the avocado industry, with a long history in North America and a diversified portfolio of fresh and value-added produce,” John Pawlowski, president and chief operating officer and CEO-designate of Mission Produce, tells The Packer. “By bringing Calavo into the Mission family, we expect to create tremendous opportunities to build on our leadership in the North American avocado business and enhance our customer service worldwide.”

Mission Produce says the acquisition is an important milestone for it and for the fresh produce industry. The company says this move will bolster its avocado and fresh produce platform in North America and accelerate global expansion. Mission Produce says it will also build on its position across the value chain and expand its foothold in Mexico and California.

“The two businesses are highly complementary,” Pawlowski says. “Mission brings scale, infrastructure and global distribution, while Calavo brings strong customer relationships, brand equity and prepared foods capabilities. The addition of Calavo will create a fully integrated model that improves reliability, strengthens sourcing security and allows us to operate more efficiently across seasons.”

Mission Produce says this deal will help the company expand internationally and will also help enhance its supply reliability and sourcing security with the combination of both companies’ grower networks.

Following the closing of the deal, Mission Produce says Calavo’s packinghouses in the Mexican states of Michoacán and Jalisco will expand the company’s network to four packinghouses in Mexico. The company says this expanded footprint and global distribution network will position it to provide a more consistent year-round supply while supporting continued growth across its global customer base.

The company says this deal will also broaden its existing avocado, mango and blueberry portfolio into additional fresh produce categories offered by Calavo, including tomatoes and papayas. Mission Produce says the produce diversification will enable a more efficient utilization of the combined distribution network, improve year-round productivity and help mitigate seasonal troughs in avocado supply.

Mission Produce says the acquisition of Calavo will also expand the company’s reach into the high-growth and attractive prepared food segment, which will complement its existing avocado business with Calavo’s avocado-based prepared foods, such as guacamole.

“Strategically, this acquisition will strengthen Mission’s position in the North American avocado and fresh produce market while accelerating international expansion through scale and sourcing optionality,” Pawlowski tells The Packer. “It also meaningfully diversifies the business, expanding Mission’s product portfolio into prepared foods, tomatoes and papayas.”

Mission Produce also says the deal will create value for its shareholders and drive significant EBITDA growth and cash flow generation. Upon close, based on the shares currently outstanding, Mission Produce says its shareholders are expected to own approximately 80.3% of the combined company and Calavo shareholders are expected to own about 19.7%.

“We believe combining with Mission represents a compelling next chapter that will enable our combined business to unlock new growth and expand the impact of our trusted Calavo brand, while also providing our shareholders with compelling value and the opportunity to participate as a shareholder of a global leader in a growing sector,” says B. John Lindeman, president and CEO of Calavo. “Mission shares our values and our commitment to quality and consistency for customers and growers alike. By joining a larger global platform, we will be better positioned to invest, innovate and serve the market at scale.”

Planned Leadership Changes at Mission Produce

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 17:01:50 GMT

On Dec. 18, Mission Produce, Inc. announced a planned leadership transition. Steve Barnard, co-founder and current CEO, will assume the role of executive chairman of the board. At the same time, John Pawlowski, currently president and chief operating officer, will become CEO.

These changes will take effect at the close of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 2026. The company described the move as reflecting its long-term succession planning related to avocados and mangoes across retail, wholesale and foodservice channels.

“As we plan for Mission’s next chapter, I’m proud of the team that has grown this business from a local operation into a global leader,” says Barnard in the company’s announcement. “This transition is about continuity for our customers and grower partners, sustaining the operational discipline, product quality and service reliability they count on from Mission.”

He continues, complimenting Pawlowski’s leadership and operational expertise.

“I am confident that his strategic vision and decades of experience in the global food industry makes him the ideal leader to guide Mission through its next chapter of growth,” Barnard says. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to supporting John and the team in my new role as executive chairman of the board.”

As executive chairman, Barnard will chair the board and provide strategic oversight, working closely with Pawlowski and Mission’s leadership team to advance the company’s long-term vision for responsible growth and category stewardship.

John Pawlowski, upcoming CEO

Pawlowski joined Mission Produce in April 2024 as president and chief operating officer, where he has focused on process improvement, logistics optimization and productivity. He is a highly accomplished executive with more than 25 years in the global food and foodservice industry, specializing in business development, system optimization and executive team management, according to the company.

Prior to Mission, Pawlowski served as president and COO of independent distributor Lipari Foods and served for more than 16 years at J.M. Smucker in a variety of leadership positions, culminating with a role as vice president of international. Pawlowski holds a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Miami University.

Pawlowski says he is honored to take up the role of CEO and expresses gratitude to Barnard and the board for their confidence.

“Mission is positioned to keep elevating the avocado and mango experience, partnering with retailers and foodservice operators to grow consumption, improve consistency and accelerate growth,” Pawlowski says. “I am excited to lead our talented team as we continue to focus on operational excellence, strong grower relationships and category-building programs that create value across the supply chain. The future is bright for Mission Produce, and I look forward to building on the incredible foundation Steve and the team have created.

FreshXperts Welcomes Dennis E. Kihlstadius

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:17:05 GMT

Consulting consortium FreshXperts LLC announced Nov. 17 that Dennis E. Kihlstadius has joined its team of experts advising the fresh-produce and perishable foods industry.

The group describes Kihlstadius as a highly respected authority in postharvest science, ripening technology and fresh produce handling.

“Dennis brings a depth of technical expertise rarely found in our industry,” says FreshXperts founder Anthony J. Totta. “His knowledge of ripening science and postharvest handling is unmatched, and we are excited to offer his capabilities to our clients. He elevates our consortium and strengthens our mission to serve the entire fresh produce supply chain from grower to consumer.”

FreshXperts says Kihlstadius has spent over two decades as an instructor at the University of California–Davis’ Postharvest Fruit Ripening Workshop and served as an instructor at the Produce Academy for 13 years under lead instructor Ronnie De La Cruz. He has also launched or helped launch ripening programs for the National Mango Board and California’s avocado industry, as well as worked in ripening, conditioning and handling programs for tomatoes and pears in California.

Kihlstadius’ areas of expertise and past experience include, according to the group:

Postharvest assessments and system optimization.
Ripening-room design, operation and training.
Reducing shrink and maximizing shelf life.
Field-to-retail quality control systems.
Technical education and training for staff at all levels.
International sourcing, market entry and supply chain alignment, especially cross-border technical support for Asian, North and South American markets.

For the Produce Lover Who Has Everything — $60 Grapes Are in Season

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:59:26 GMT

Just in time for the holidays, Melissa’s Produce has introduced Red Heart K-Grapes from South Korea. Part of the Los Angeles-based specialty produce company’s luxury line, the glossy, deep-red grapes with a naturally sweet flavor, crunchy texture and signature heart shape are making their U.S. debut with a recommended SRP of $55 to $60 per 1-pound, 5-ounce package.

Melissa’s says the Red Heart K-Grapes combine crisp texture, floral juiciness and a playful shape that makes every bite feel special.

“Red Heart K-Grapes bring something totally new to the grape aisle,” says Robert Schueller, director of public relations at Melissa’s Produce. “They stand out visually and offer a flavor experience that’s exciting, elevated and completely fresh to American shoppers.”

With their distinct heart shape, sweet flavor and crisp texture, each bite of Red Heart K-Grapes feels special, according to Melissa’s Produce.

(Photo courtesy of Melissa’s Produce)

Their vibrant crimson hue and unique form make them as beautiful as they are delicious; perfect for snacking, gifting and dressing up cheese boards, holiday platters, and bento boxes, Schueller adds.

Melissa’s says the Red Heart K-Grapes’ premium look and limited availability create strong opportunities for seasonal retail displays and incremental sales. The company recommends creating eye-catching signage and cross-merchandising the grapes with specialty cheeses, gourmet snacks and holiday gifts in both produce and specialty departments.

Red Heart K-Grapes’ novelty and striking appearance also make them ideal for social media campaigns and consumer engagement, the company says.

Non-GMO and grown with care by farmers in South Korea, Red Heart K-Grapes are available for a limited time, August through December, according to the company. The limited-availability grapes join Melissa’s other luxury produce items, including Rubyglow Pineapple, for which there’s a waiting list; Crown Melon, which is pre-order only; Pinkglow Pineapple; Japanese Jewelbox Strawberries; Pink Elephant Mango from Vietnam; and more.

Melissa’s Red Heart K-Grapes are now available at select retailers and online at Melissas.com.

National Mango Board’s Director Reflects on 20 Years of Industry Growth

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:56:46 GMT

The National Mango Board celebrated its 20-year anniversary during the recent International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show in October.

Over those two decades, mango demand by U.S. consumers has grown considerably and the complex mango supply chain has united, according to NMB Executive Director Ramón Ojeda. But those successes haven’t come by waving magic wands, he adds.

“It’s not an easy task, because you got to get people together under one vision and then row in one direction,” Ojeda tells The Packer, reflecting on NMB’s history. “That’s what these folks did 20 years ago. It’s been 20 years of hard work and dedication of over 90 board members along the way who have lent their time and talents to get us to where we are.”

Mangoes by the Numbers

According to USDA records, 20 years ago, just under 2 pounds of mango was available per person in the U.S. For context, that’s roughly where papaya is today .

“If you look 20 years ago, we weren’t even on the radar,” Ojeda says. “For example, today we ranked No. 10 in volume velocity in retailers nationwide. Twenty years ago, we weren’t even in the top 25.”

Mangoes — if they were considered at all by U.S. consumers — were seen as an exotic treat only available for a few weeks in summer, he says. Getting consumer attention was one of the biggest challenge in those early years, he adds.

Things are different now.

According to the NMB, there were 3.5 pounds of mango available per person in the U.S. in 2024, equating to 130 million boxes of mangoes delivered to the U.S. annually, valued at $929 million in 2024. And mangoes are available year-round.

According to the USDA , the first half of 2025 saw a 42% increase in fresh mango imports compared with the same time in 2024. This increase came in large part from record-setting import volumes from Peru during the first three months of 2025.

Ojeda adds that the board’s recent surveys show that roughly one in four U.S. households have a mango in the pantry today.

“Imagine that; after 20 years, one in four,” he says. “Imagine the opportunity of the three other households.”

Education Then, Now, Into the Future

Tapping into that opportunity will take continued dedication to education, the perennial challenge that the NMB has tackled throughout its tenure.

Education efforts over the years have included a lot of promotion to capture consumer attention. According to the NMB, those efforts have been quite successful, showing a $16 return to the industry for every $1 spent over the past 10 years. Direct consumer education has focused on how to select, handle and use mangoes, these being areas that even interested newcomers to the fruit are often uncertain about .

But it’s not just the need to educate consumers, Ojeda adds. The entire supply chain has important roles to play in driving mango demand by delivering good mango-eating experiences to consumers.

Ojeda notes that there is a lot that can go wrong along the mango’s complex supply chain, which involves numerous producers across several different countries, not to mention distributors and retailers across the country. Anything from picking a mango at the wrong time down to a retailer putting unripe mangoes in cold storage can result in a bad eating experience for the consumer.

Educating the supply chain on everyone’s critical role in supporting consumer demand was one of the biggest barriers the NMB had to break “back in the day,” Ojeda says. Looking forward, however, he describes the need for a holistic focus on growing the industry and educating consumers on how mangoes can fit into their lives and values.

“Our biggest challenge is to grow a great, constant supply of good quality mangoes while at the same time educate consumers in all the good quality properties of mango regarding versatility and nutritional values and great flavor,” he says.

Honor to the Mango and Its Pioneers

Ojeda calls the mango an “amazing, super delicious, ultra nutritious fruit” and invites U.S. consumers who have never tried it to pick one up next time they go to the grocery store.

“It is called the king of fruits around the world,” he points out. “Along with bananas, it’s one of the most popular fruits in pretty much all of the rest of the world, but it’s not well known here in the U.S.”

That is why the NMB has been so critical to the mango industry, he adds. He calls himself just the messenger as the executive director who, together with his team, follow the vision of the NMB’s board members over the years.

“The pioneers — if I may call them that — who got together to put the work in to get the National Mango Board going and every board member between 2005 and now — all 90 of them — deserve our appreciation and recognition just because of the work they do,” Ojeda says.

The success that the NMB and the U.S. mango industry has seen over the past 20 years “takes hard work and dedication of so many people,” he adds. “We’re so glad that we are a part of it.”

Your next read:

Revamped Tool to Help Foodservice ‘Speak Mango Fluently’

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:13:51 GMT

“Just like learning a new language, mastering mangoes starts with the basics,” says Susan Hughes, a foodservice marketing consultant working for National Mango Board.

“In language, you begin with the alphabet and simple phrases; in the kitchen, it’s learning how to cut, select, store, and prepare a mango,” she adds. “Only after those fundamentals are in place can you ‘speak fluently’ — whether that’s creating a savory dish, a baked good or a refreshing dessert.”

Helping everyone on foodservice menu teams — from chefs and operators, to purchasers and marketers — learn the essentials to “speak mango” more is the goal of NMB’s Mango University.

“Foodservice is key for us,” said Ramón Ojeda, the board’s executive director, as translated from Spanish, during a late-August preview event where the revamped Mango U was announced.

“For people who have never purchased a mango or who have never tried a mango, [foodservice] is a good link for us because people often discover mangoes through a foodservice outlet,” Ojeda added. “In most cases, they will be driven to the fresh cut section after they try mangoes in a restaurant or cafeteria.”

Mango U: Then and Now

“The National Mango Board launched its foodservice marketing program in 2007 to educate and inspire culinary, marketing and purchasing foodservice menu influencers and decision makers, says Hughes. “As the program grew, we recognized the growing need to educate our foodservice target audiences about fresh mango.”

That need resulted in the original Mango university, launched in 2014. Hughes, who led the original concept and creation of “Mango U’s” Fresh Mango curriculum, says, “The goal was to introduce fresh mango to American Culinary Federation members and provide a free course that covers the handling of mangoes from seed-to-table and includes earning continuing education hours.”

She explains that earlier versions of the curriculum were offered as static, downloadable documents based on PowerPoint decks used in meetings and trainings — not the most engaging.

“The revamped program now lives in a dynamic digital format with interactive features like quizzes, making the experience more engaging and memorable,” she says. “We updated it to improve usability and give participants a richer, more impactful way to learn about mangoes.”

The revamped Mango University is composed of seven brief videos — one introduction and six lessons — with each lesson followed by a five-question quiz. Lesson topics are:

Introduction to fresh mangoes (including history)
Mango storage, ripening and cutting
Mango variety, availability ripeness levels
Nutrition
Cooking with fresh mango in global cuisines
The versatile mango (more cooking topics)

Anyone can sign up to attend Mango University online for free. American Culinary Federation members who participate can put in their ACF number at registration to receive 8.5 continuing education hours upon completion.

“The new Mango University for Foodservice provides a new and interesting education experience for today’s menu innovators and influencers,” says Hughes. “The content provides an understanding of fresh mango as an ingredient to create delicious, memorable food and beverage items for diners of all ages.”

Keep Calm and Record on for Mango FSMA 204 Compliance

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:33:05 GMT

Traceability rules might be daunting, but they don’t have to be. So went the advice of one food safety expert to the mango industry

On Sept. 24, Sergio Nieto-Montenegro of Food Safety Consulting and Training Solutions, LLC, laid out the ABCs of abiding by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Traceability Rule, known as FSMA 204 , for the mango industry.

His main message was to not panic over the rule. Most members of the mango supply chain are already doing most, if not all, of the new rule’s requirements, he said. It’s just a matter of getting a plan together.

“Sometimes we get scared and feel that we have to fulfill every single requirement in the standard,” he acknowledged to his audience. Attendees came from at least a half dozen mango-growing countries and represented all points along the mango supply chain.

But then he listed out information mango growers have to supply according to the rule — details such as mango variety, date of harvest, quantity of harvest, orchard and field name and location, and who the mangoes go to after harvest — and asked: “all of this information, this is something you are already collecting, yes?”

The participants overwhelmingly answered yes.

“But then we hear ‘FSMA regulations’ and we panic,” Montenegro continued. “But it’s just about how we organize the information.”

The ABCs of FSMA 204 for mangoes

Montenegro overviewed the numerous acronyms of the FSMA 204 for the mango industry, focusing mostly on CTEs — critical tracking events. According to the rule, fresh produce CTEs are harvesting, cooling before initial packing, initial packing, shipping, receiving, and transformation (including repacking) of a fresh produce item.

Not everyone within the fresh mango supply chain will deal with all possible CTEs however, Montenegro explained. For example, the chilling CTE that might apply to other fresh produce doesn’t usually apply to the fresh mango supply chain.

However, given the complexity of the mango supply chain — with mangoes often coming from small suppliers in various countries, being repacked and changing hands many times via transportation middlemen and brokers — it can come with many, sometimes repeated, steps.

Repackaging, which counts as a transformation under FSMA 204, is one of those points of potential complexity for mangoes. They will receive a TLC, traceability lot code, upon initial packing. But each time the mangoes are repackaged, they are effectively a new product, thereby requiring a new TLC.

Montenegro gave the example of lots of mangoes that are initially processed and given a TLC, that are then sent to another warehouse that repacks them into size-specific pallets according to client desires. Those pallets of large mangoes from mixed original lots are new products requiring new TLCs.

He also offered an example of the many hands mangoes can pass through as an area of complexity for the industry.

“Imagine that I have mangoes coming from Michoacán,” he said. “They were packed in Michoacán and then went to McAllen. Then the person in McAllen sent them to a broker in Dallas. And then the broker in Dallas sends them to a broker in Minneapolis.”

Those brokers’ activities would represent both receiving and shipping CTEs, and each would be required to keep track of the relevant receiving and shipping KDEs (key data elements) such as product description, location information of where the mangoes had just been and where they will be going next, dates and so on.

“So you will have a bit more information here,” Montenegro said.

Don’t reinvent the record-keeping wheel

Compliance with the FSMA 204 comes down to organizing your (probably already existing) information, Montenegro advised his mango industry listeners. He noted the record-keeping requirements will vary depending on where a person or company falls in the supply chain.

Regardless, he recommended industry members not try to reinvent the wheel in preparation to comply with the rule, which takes effect July 20, 2028 . Instead, he recommended people start by taking stock of what records they already collect and compare it to the record-keeping needs of the new rule.

“Maybe, you already have everything, or maybe you’re only missing two little details,” he said. “Even if you’re missing two details, that doesn’t mean you have to transform your whole [record-keeping] system. You just need to make those two additions.”

He added that the process of adding to an existing record-keeping system doesn’t need to be complicated. He showed participants example record documents that fit different links in the mango supply chain offered by the National Mango Board.

“At the National Mango Board, we have plenty of tools at your service to help you create a plan in compliance with this rule,” Montenegro said.

The South Proves ‘Powerhouse of Opportunity’ for Produce Sales

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:15:48 GMT

Florida is on fire. A look at Circana total U.S. produce sales shows Florida and the Southeast markets have far outperformed the rest of the country over the course of the past three to four years.

Florida is also the fastest growing state in the country, according to the 2024 U.S. Census, and earlier this month, the Sunshine State was ranked No. 1 for attracting and developing a skilled workforce for the third consecutive year by Lightcast.

These and other favorable business conditions have continued to attract companies like the Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce, which recently expanded its operations and distribution to Miami. Mission, which sources, produces and distributes fresh hass avocados and mangoes, says its Miami expansion is part of its focus on growth in “high-potential markets.”

“Florida, in particular, is ripe for growth. It’s the fastest-growing state in the country, has a strong Hispanic demographic and already boasts avocado and mango sales that are above the national average,” says Brooke Becker, Mission Produce senior vice president of sales, pointing to Numerator Insights Shopper Metrics for the 12 months ending July 31. “That’s a powerful consumer base paired with a dynamic retail landscape. By expanding in Miami, we’re putting high-quality fruit closer to customers and helping them capture that upside.”

Brooke Becker of Mission Produce discusses company’s strategic expansion to Miami.

(Photo courtesy of Mission Produce)

But Becker sees considerable room for growth in the region’s avocado and mango sales.

“When you look at the numbers, the South is a powerhouse of opportunity…yet the region under-indexes on avocado sales by about five points,” she says, citing Numerator data. “That gap represents nearly $184 million left on the table.Closing even part of that gap — just one more avocado shopping trip per household — could add more than $100 million in sales. That’s meaningful growth for retailers, wholesalers and foodservice alike.”

Florida by the Numbers

According to Circana data (Integrated Fresh, MULO+, Total U.S.), U.S. produce dollar sales percentage change versus a year ago has consistently risen for the Southeast region and Florida markets for the latest 52 weeks, and in Florida metro areas, including Jacksonville, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg for the last four years.

Circana data shows that while total U.S. produce sales are up 18.4% versus four years ago, the Southeast’s total produce sales are up 26.1% versus four years ago, Jacksonville is up 28.2%, Miami/Fort Lauderdale is up 27%, Orlando is up 30.6% and Tampa/St. Petersburg is up 25.9%.

Circana, Integrated Fresh, MULO+, Produce Sales Total U.S., Southeast region and Florida markets, latest 52 weeks:

Total U.S.: $95.05 billion
Southeast: $14.95 billion
Jacksonville: $702 million
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale: $2.6 billion
Orlando: $1.5 billion
Tampa/St. Petersburg: $1.6 billion

Mission Produce sees opportunity to grow avocado and mango sales in the South.

(Photo courtesy of Mission Produce)

Thriving Retail, Strategic Position

Mission Produce has also cited the Southeast’s more than 18,000 retail outlets as an additional boon to its expansion into Miami, as well the city’s strategic location as an import hub.

“Mission Produce is already on the shelves of roughly 20% of retail stores across the Southeast, so our new Miami location positions us to better serve these existing customers and opens the door to new business opportunities,” says Becker citing Circana, Southeast region data for the 52 weeks ending Sept. 7. “We are now importing avocados and mangoes directly into Florida, enabling us to streamline logistics and reduce transit times. By operating in Miami, we’re now able to leverage additional entry points into the U.S. to move product seamlessly across our network.”

Another benefit to Miami is that it serves as a strategic import hub for product sourced from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and other offshore origins, which Mission Produce says provides an additional value.

“Mission imports product to the U.S. from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and several others to provide a reliable, year-round supply of avocados and mangoes,” Becker says. “By operating in Miami, we’re now able to leverage additional entry points into the U.S. to move product seamlessly across our network.”

The Hispanic Shopper

Florida represents one of the strongest growth markets for both avocados and mangoes. In the past 12 months, 76% of Florida shoppers purchased avocados and 46% purchased mangoes — well above the national average of 71% and 40%, respectively, says Mission Produce, pointing to Numerator Insights Shopper Metrics for the 12 months ending July 31.

What’s more, the state’s strong Hispanic demographic is important to the increased consumption of avocados and mangoes.

“Hispanic shoppers are central to the continued growth of the avocado and mango categories,” Becker says. “Nearly 90% of Hispanic households buy avocados and 60% buy mangos — and [according to Numerator, Shopper Metrics] they spend significantly more on both than the average shopper.These buyers greatly value ripeness and quality, and our Miami location enables us to deliver both at an even higher standard.”

Mission Produce Expands Operations, Distribution to Miami

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:11:17 GMT

Mission Produce has expanded its operations and distribution to Miami, according to a news release. The Oxnard, Calif.-based company, which sources, produces and distributes fresh hass avocados, says the move will enable it to directly service customers in Florida with its signature World’s Finest Avocados and World’s Finest Mangos, as well as provide ripening and bagging services.

“Our expansion to Miami demonstrates our commitment to elite customer service and our strategic focus on capturing growth in high-potential markets ,” says John Pawlowski, president and chief operating officer for Mission Produce. “This location unlocks our ability to meet the strong demand for high-quality, ripe avocados and mangoes in Florida with improved quality and efficiency. We are excited to bring Mission’s values and capabilities closer to our customers in the Southeast.”

Miami serves as a strategic import hub for product sourced from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and other offshore origins, the release says. By entering Florida directly, Mission says it can streamline logistics, reduce transit times and move product seamlessly across its U.S. distribution network.

According to Circana data, there are more than 18,000 retail outlets across the Southeast. Mission Produce says the new Miami location positions it to better service this customer base.

Florida represents one of the strongest growth markets for both avocados and mangoes. In the past 12 months, 76% of Florida shoppers purchased avocados and 46% purchased mangoes — well above the national average, says the company, pointing to Numerator Insights Shopper Metrics for the 12 months ending July 31.

With 8.2% population growth over the past four years, the state is also the fastest growing in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census. And Numerator Insights finds that one in four residents identifies as Hispanic — a core demographic for both categories.

Mission says these dynamics create significant opportunity to drive category growth in the market.

Organization Seeks 'Mangoes in Every Shopping Cart by 2030'

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 01:46:32 GMT

On Aug. 21, the National Mango Board hosted a webinar on its efforts to strengthen mango consumption in the U.S.

“The vision is for mangoes to be an integral part of the diet of people in the United States,” said Ramón Ojeda, the board’s executive director, as translated from Spanish. “Consumption per capita has gone from about 2 pounds per person 20 years ago to about 4 pounds per person in 2023, which places it in 11^th place in terms of the most consumed fruit in the United States.”

Ojeda also presented data about mango market penetration into U.S. homes, which he said averaged at about one in four households buying mangoes. This lines up closely with The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2025 survey findings. Among survey respondents, 23% reported buying mangoes in the prior year. It was ranked 15^th in terms of reported purchase frequency.

The National Mango Board would like to see mangoes in the top 10.

“Last year we reviewed [the strategic] plan, and the mission of the marketing program is to inspire and promote the value of fresh mangoes in the daily lives of U.S. consumers,” Ojeda said. “The vision that we have is a simple one: To see mangoes in every shopping cart by 2030 with the help and support of everyone in the mango industry.”

Promotional projects and plans

Ojeda overviewed the National Mango Board’s considerable calendar of recent promotions, both evergreen and seasonal. Seasonal campaign examples included:

The February “Love for Mangoes” for Valentines
Mango Madness for March with basketball tie-ins
Cinco de Mango for the lead up to Cinco de Mayo
A Disney partnership around the Lilo and Stitch movie release in May
The mobile food truck-centered Joyride campaign , now in its second year and running through Aug. 24
A social media campaign partnering with children’s entertainer Blippi
The recently kicked-off Back-To-School campaign

The board also announced a few planned campaigns, including one focused on football tailgating for the fall, the board’s 20^th anniversary, and “holiday joy” for the winter.

“We’re incorporating educational elements to everything that we do,” said Leonardo Ortega, director of research for the board, who noted that a lot of people “still don’t know a lot about mangoes.”

This also fits with Fresh Trends 2025 survey findings; few respondents reported being familiar with picking a ripe mango .

Ortega said providing consumers with information on how to select and how to cut mangoes will encourage them to buy mangoes in the store and take them home. But the National Mango Board is creating educational efforts for more than just consumers. Ortega announced the board will be launching a new video as part of the Mango University Culinary Training Program next week.

“This is for cooking professionals who would like to learn how to incorporate our fruit in their recipes and in their processes.”

He added that foodservice is a key part of driving U.S. demand for fresh mangoes.

“People often discover mangoes through a food service outlet. In most cases, they will be driven to the fresh cut section after they try mangoes in a restaurant or cafeteria.”

Ojeda reminded webinar attendees that every step in the mango supply chain has a role in growing U.S. demand for mangoes.

“Our mission says that we seek to increase mango consumption working as a unified industry, and that is very important because the mangoes must be managed and handled properly,” he said. “Merchandisers who place the fruit and handle the fruit in the supermarket as well as the packers and growers and the shippers — we all have a role in achieving quality for the consumer.”

Hit by Tariffs: The Produce Items Most Impacted by Trade Wars

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:40:37 GMT

As the impact of tariffs hits grocery shelves, retailers and their customers are bracing for higher prices, supply chain disruptions and potentially less variety.

Amanda Oren, vice president of industry strategy for grocery North America at Relex Solutions, a native artificial intelligence (AI) platform that helps retailers and manufacturers improve forecast accuracy, optimize operations and increase efficiency and sales, says more disruption is coming.

“There are a number of overall factors we’re seeing and specifically, the impact of tariffs. We’re definitely seeing impacts to the overall supply chain. We’re seeing higher transportation costs and some trade disruption,” she says.

Oren, whose background includes executive roles at Good Food Holdings, Grocery Outlet and Foodland, says the volatility around tariffs has been particularly challenging for grocers.

“There’s been tariffs announced and then pulled back, and then certain things have gone into effect, and then they’ve been pulled back,” she says. “What we’ve seen so far is that grocers, in particular, are hesitant to make long-term investments in changes related to tariffs, because there’s so much evolving change going on right now.”

Amanda Oren of Relex Solutions says tariffs may impact some commodities more than others.

(Photo courtesy of Amanda Oren)

The Produce Department

When it comes to which fresh produce commodities will be hit hardest by tariffs, Oren points to bananas and mangoes, which are not mass produced in the U.S.

“Then we have a second bucket of products that can be mass produced in the United States, but not year-round, and there is demand for these items year-round,” she says.

Avocados, blueberries, broccoli, cucumbers, strawberries and peaches, which are produced in the U.S. but not year-round, will be impacted most by tariffs, says Oren, adding that lower-volume items will also be more impacted by tariffs than higher-volume items.

In terms of which countries and their exports to the U.S. will be most impacted by tariffs, Oren is looking south.

“As most agricultural products from Mexico are currently exempt from tariffs, it’s basically Central and South America — which is where much of the rest of our produce is being imported from — where the price hikes are having the biggest impact,” she says. Oren adds that higher-end ethnic products imported from Asia are also going to see a pretty significant price increase.

Ultimately, says Oren, analysts expect tariffs to lead to higher prices and a decrease in the overall variety in the produce department.

“The majority of these price increases are going to get passed on to the consumer, whether or not it’s being transparently communicated, but it’s going to happen because margins are very tight for grocers, and there’s not a ton of wiggle room to absorb cost increases without passing them on,” Oren says. “That said, grocers are trying to mitigate those specific scenarios through a number of strategies. They’re trying to lean more heavily on private label and on places where they have more control over the overall supply chain.”

Oren says retailers are also trying to decrease the impact of tariffs by leaning into certain commodities that can be produced domestically or shifting or expanding their supplier base to countries with lower or no tariffs.

Retail Solutions, Pricing

Oren sees price-sensitive consumers stockpiling imported center store items like coffee and olive oil, and while that’s not possible with highly perishable fresh produce, Relex Solutions offers tools to help retailers navigate the turbulence caused by tariffs.

“There are two key areas where we play an active role,” she says. “The first one is helping grocers figure out the optimal quantities they should be purchasing based on price hikes that are coming down the way, and that has a lot to do with the shelf life of the product, obviously. So, for produce there’s less stockpiling than there would be for center store products.

“The other place we play an active role is we have a price optimization tool that [determines] the optimal price based on what the competition is doing, increased costs, etc., to meet your company’s goals, whether that is optimizing margin dollars, optimizing traffic into your stores or creating a certain price perception,” Oren continues. “Retailers need an overall pricing strategy, but then our tool helps execute on that strategy. Especially because of tariffs, companies really need an AI native machine learning tool to help them figure out what that price should be for each item.”

Relex uses a retailer’s pricing history to understand how price elastic each item is.

“As an example, if your recipe is calling for paprika, there really isn’t a substitute item, right? And so that’s an item where, No. 1, people don’t know exactly how much it costs. No. 2, there isn’t a good substitute. So, that’s an item where the data would show you can take a price increase and not have it impact your overall unit sales,” she explains.

But in produce categories like cucumbers, where a shopper might have multiple options from which to choose — organic, mini, English or Persian — a significant price hike would likely result in the consumer choosing a less expensive option.

“There is an assumption that there will be some trading down for sure,” Oren says. There’s also a question around some of the commodities that are lower volume. Are people going to just stop purchasing that rare type of mushroom, for example, if it goes to a price where they don’t feel comfortable?

“There’s also the idea that organic produce might become particularly vulnerable to demand shifts if the price premium starts to get bigger over conventional items,” she adds.

Oren also sees some consumers turning to private label for savings or shifting their produce purchase to frozen and canned fruits and vegetables.

Looking Ahead

What might this tariff volatility spell for the fresh produce industry in the year ahead?

“I think there will be a decrease in variety, and I think there will be price increases, but overall, my gut tells me that the government is very reactive right now and is seeing what’s going on and the volatility in the market and pulling back as needed, and being very strategic on where to pull back and how to pull back, so that the impact isn’t so significant to the overall economy.”

Oren is also hopeful that Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) may also help with fresh produce pricing.

“There’s a feeling that the MAHA movement within the government is going to start having a bigger voice if produce tariffs are too high and pricing is impacted … and that they’ll pull back [on tariffs] as needed strategically,” she says.

Back-To-School Campaign Highlights Mango as Versatile Choice for Families

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 18:02:29 GMT

As families across the country prepare for the return to school routines, the National Mango Board says its new “Your Back-to-School Boost” campaign aims to make it easier and more delicious than ever to prioritize health.

The campaign is designed to drive mango consumption during peak seasonality while supporting parents and kids with simple, nutritious and energizing fresh mango recipes.

This year’s campaign leans into four key messaging pillars: nutrition, joy, versatility and mango’s naturally invigorating qualities. These pillars seek to reach families looking for smart, delicious and convenient choices, the National Mango Board says. The initiative leverages a mix of digital activations, retail support and influencer collaborations, connecting with consumers where they already shop and scroll, according to the organization.

Timed with the height of mango season, the campaign meets a growing demand. According to Inmar Intelligence’s 2025 back-to-school report , 50% of consumers say health is a greater concern this back-to-school season, and nearly one-third of parents struggle to find the right nutritious options.

Social media also plays an influential role, with 70% of consumers saying back-to-school purchases are driven by online content. Views of relevant food categories also spike during this period, outpacing summer interest.

To meet this moment, the National Mango Board says it is spotlighting mango’s versatility with content that taps into trending back-to-school recipe searches. Favorites like mango salsa, mango lassi, mango sticky rice and mango smoothies are featured across digital platforms, along with fresh, parent-friendly ideas for breakfasts, lunchboxes, snacks and after-school boosts.

“Mangos are not only delicious, but they’re also a powerhouse of nutrition, and that’s exactly what busy families need heading into the school year,” says Ramón Ojeda, executive director of the National Mango Board. “This campaign is about giving parents easy, inspiring ways to fuel their kids’ day while celebrating the natural joy and energy fresh mangos bring to the table.”

Mission Produce to Demo Art of Ripening at IFPA Foodservice

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 21:50:26 GMT

Mission Produce Inc., an Oxnard, Calif.-based sourcer, producer and distributor of fresh hass avocados and mangoes, is set to demonstrate its “Mastery in the Art of Ripening” at the International Fresh Produce Association Foodservice Conference in Monterey, Calif., July 31 to Aug. 1, at booth No. 218.

With a focus on delivering fresh, ripe-and-ready avocados and mangoes, Mission says it will highlight the value its custom ripe programs bring to the foodservice kitchen.

“Our foodservice customers rely on precision and consistency, and at Mission, we deliver just that with fruit ripened to spec — day in and day out,” says Brooke Becker, senior vice president of sales. “We’ve spent decades building the infrastructure, technology and expertise needed to provide ripe avocados and mangoes that elevate the menu and streamline back-of-house operations.”

To promote the consistent delivery of high-quality avocados and mangoes, every order is managed by a Mission Produce ripe master, who tailors Mission’s science-based ripening process according to fruit origin, maturity and other characteristics, the company says in a news release. With eight ripening centers across the U.S. and offerings that include daily deliveries and multi-stage shipments, Mission says its custom ripe programs are designed for the fast-paced demands of foodservice.

“While avocados remain a popular ingredient in foodservice, mangoes are gaining momentum; in fact, mango mentions on menus have increased 11% since 2021,” adds Becker, pointing to Datassential Menu Trends, December 2024. “Consumer interest in nutrient-dense, flavorful produce is a driving factor. [According to Mintel’s U.S. Consumer Approach to Healthy Eating Report 2024,] two-thirds of U.S. consumers are actively seeking healthier food options,and both avocados and mangoes offer several health benefits that bring value to the menu, [finds the Hass Avocado Board].”

At the IFPA Foodservice show, Mission says it will feature two of its top ripe stages for foodservice: Stage 5 avocados, ideal for guacamole and mashing applications, and Stage 3 mangoes, selected for their crisp texture and suitability for slicing and spears. Attendees can sample both in a custom dish crafted by executive chef Amalia Scatena, the culinary talent behind last year’s award-winning mango panna cotta .

Mango Program Helps Fund Water Infrastructure Projects

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 23:29:07 GMT

In June 2025, Continental Fresh celebrated five years of its Water for All mangoes program. The company’s signature philanthropic program donates a percentage of the proceeds from every case of mangoes sold to improving water infrastructure in Latin America. According to Albert Perez, CEO of Continental Fresh, the program started as a seasonal effort, but has since grown to be year round.

“Since its launch, Water for All has helped fund multiple clean water and sanitation projects, directly impacting more than 1,000 people,” Perez says. While projects have been built in Ecuador, Nicaragua and Colombia, most projects have been in the Dominican Republic.

“Water for All funds gravity-fed aqueduct systems that bring clean, running water directly into homes in rural Latin American communities,” he adds. “These systems are built in partnership with BLUE Missions, using natural elevation to transport water from mountain springs to villages, eliminating the need for pumps or electricity.”

The programs also eliminate the need for women and children, who are usually tasked with fetching distant water where no water infrastructure exists, to travel long distances. Perez describes this dynamic as time poverty, often resulting in children missing school and women missing out on work opportunities. Water piped into communities and homes lessens that impact.

Perez gives an example of one project.

“In 2024, Water For All helped fund an aqueduct that now serves over 80 families in the Dominican Republic,” he says. “Before the project, families had to walk long distances to fetch water from a shared source. Today, each home has access to clean, safe water — improving hygiene, reducing illness and allowing children to return to school instead of fetching water.”

He adds that lack of water infrastructure and contaminated water sources are among the top water issues facing the parts of rural Latin America that Water for All focuses on.

“We believe that access to clean water is a fundamental human right,” Perez says, “And our mangoes serve as a vehicle for change. Every purchase supports our ongoing efforts to improve lives through water infrastructure and education.”

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AvoIntel: Make Room for Mangoes on the Menu

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:32:19 GMT

Mangoes now appear on 44% of U.S. menus, with usage increasing across all foodservice segments, from fine dining and casual to fast casual and quick service restaurants.

This growth — up 11% between 2021 and 2024 — points to mangoes becoming a go-to ingredient for operators looking to introduce flavor-forward, versatile dishes, according to a news release.

Health and versatility are two of the biggest factors driving mango growth, the release says, adding that in fact, two-thirds of U.S. consumers are actively seeking healthier food options, and 52% say the healthiness of food is highly important when deciding what to eat.

For foodservice operators, that means nutrient-rich ingredients like mangoes can play a meaningful role in menu development. A single serving (¾ cup) of mango delivers 50% of the daily value of vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health. They also contain vitamins A, E, B6, copper, and folate, making them a strong contender for health-conscious menus, the release says.

Chef perspective: Amalia Scatena

Executive Chef Amalia Scatena, the chef behind Mission Produce’s award-winning mango panna cotta, brings a thoughtful approach to incorporating mangoes on the menu, using them to surprise and delight her guests, the release says.

“Mangoes are incredibly versatile. They work just as beautifully in a savory application as they do in a dessert or cocktail — and not many ingredients can do both,” Scatena says. “That balance of sweet and subtle allows chefs to get creative and offer something that feels both familiar and unexpected on the plate, without overpowering the other flavors.”

Her advice for fellow chefs?

“Treat mangoes as a stone fruit,” she says. “Everything you can do with a peach — grill it, roast it, smoke it, shave it thin for a beautiful garnish — you can do with a mango. Its natural sweetness helps balance and elevate complex flavors, offering a fresh twist to any classic dish.”

As foodservice champions new flavor trends and healthier menus, mangoes are carving out space as a flexible, nutrient-rich ingredient with broad appeal, Mission Produce says. Their year-round availability, culinary adaptability and growing consumer interest make them a timely addition to both menus and merchandising strategies.

From high-end kitchens to QSRs, mangoes are making a lasting impression, and Mission Produce expects this upward trend to continue.

Most Consumers Need Help Mastering Mango Ripeness

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 21:57:11 GMT

Do you know how to pick a ripe mango? What about storing it before putting it out on the produce floor?

If you don’t know, you’re not alone.

Every year The Packer conducts its Fresh Trends survey of U.S. consumers to gather insights on shopping habits and fresh produce preferences. Fresh Trends 2025 asked consumers two questions about picking ripe fruit:

Do you feel comfortable selecting a ripe [fruit] for immediate consumption?
Do you know how to ripen [fruit] once you get them home?

For some beloved standbys, like bananas, most survey respondents said they were comfortable picking ready-to-eat fruit (72%) and knew how to ripen unripe fruit at home (63%). Other fruit were a bit of a mystery to respondents.

Take mangoes, for example. Only a third of Fresh Trends 2025 respondents said they were comfortable selecting a ripe, ready-to-eat mango. When it came to ripening an unripe mango at home, only a quarter of respondents reported knowing how.

“It’s nice to see that, on some level, we have made a difference,” said Lavanya Setia, director of marketing for the National Mango Board. “A few years ago, the number of people who would say they knew how to pick a mango was much lower.”

Setia also said the results show a lot of opportunity since there are still many consumers who don’t know how to select a mango or cut it.

Picking a ripe mango

Consumers’ lack of certainty on mango ripeness isn’t too surprising.

“Mangoes are still an emerging fruit; around 2% of produce volume, on aggregate,” said Angie Thomas, retail account consultant for the National Mango Board. “So, most — again, speaking in aggregate — shoppers are only somewhat familiar with mangoes.”

To complicate the situation, there are a lot of varieties of mangoes available ,and they all ripen differently, Setia adds.

“Some of them get red when they are ripe, some of them get a little wrinkly, some of them don’t change color at all,” she said. “So, how do you have that one message that tells people it’s ripe?”

Despite the difficulty in offering one message, the National Mango Board recommends consumers gently press the mango, much like they would an avocado or a peach, to gauge its ripeness.

When it comes to ripening a mango at home, Setia says that mangoes work like many other fruits; they can be left on the counter to ripen at room temperature. The ripening process can be sped up by placing the mango in a brown bag. Once ripe, whole mangoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.

“If it becomes common knowledge, then they wouldn’t have so much hesitation around buying an unripe mango because they know how to get it ready to eat at home,” she said.

Demographic differences

Fresh Trends 2025 shows some interesting demographic trends relative to mango ripeness knowledge. For example, more respondents who had depending children reported being comfortable selecting a ripe, ready-to-eat mango (44%) compared with those without children (26%).

“I think parents are always trying to get creative with getting kids something nutritious that the kids will enjoy as well,” Setia said. “I have a 5-year-old, and I know how quickly they reach a point where they are bored with what they are eating and they want something new, so you try to experiment.

Similarly, more respondents under the age of 50 reported being comfortable picking a ripe, ready-to-eat mango (38% for those aged 18-29 and 30-39 and 37% of those aged 40-49) compared with older respondents (31% of those aged 50-59 and 22% of those 60 years or older).

Setia credits the age differences in ripeness confidence to two different factors: accessibility and exposure.

“The supply chain has gotten better, so remote parts of the country where you wouldn’t get something like a mango unless there was enough demand now have mangoes,” she said. “The other thing is greater exposure to international cuisines through travel and social media. So, they’re seeing it on TikTok, and if they see a recipe, they will try it out. There’s more openness and more adaptability in that generation.”

Mango education efforts

The National Mango Board has a number of educational efforts underway on how to select ripe mangoes, cutting mangoes and recipes available on its website. But it goes far beyond that.

“We have an array of information available — from digital, social to [point of sale] — and we’re exploring bags that can be offered at the retail level to help with ripening,” Thomas said. “This is an everyday effort, as well as working one-on-one with customers to educate and disseminate and to pulse into all campaigns.”

Setia also said the group has a two-pronged approach to mango education: one side being consumer focused and the other being retailer-focused. She said this latter effort focuses on getting retailers armed with the necessary information to provide good product to customers, answering questions like: “How do you store a mango?” “When is the best time to get a mango out on the shop floor?” “How should the fresh cut department be preparing the mangoes?” and so on.

“So we’re trying to educate both sides so that there is demand and that demand is being met with a high quality product,” she said.

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