Mangoes, which are 100% focused on the export market, are a very important product for the company, with an average volume of 850,000 4 kilo boxes per season, which goes from October to January. Their main destination is the United States, with around 60% of the exports, and where, just like plantains, they are popular among the Latin communities. The other 40% is divided between Canada, Europe, Mexico and New Zealand.
For Refin S.A., Europe is a relatively small market, with just 10% of all shipments. "It is a difficult market both in terms of logistics and varieties, as Europeans do not particularly like the Tommy Atkins, but we believe that it is a market with great potential which we could try to explore," affirms Bernardo Malo, General Director of Refin S.A. Despite all this, Refin is one of Europe's main Ecuadorian mango providers.
In terms of varieties, Ecuador mainly produces Tommy Atkins mangoes, followed by Kent and some Keitt and Ataulfo. According to Bernardo, the latter is "a variety with great potential due to its sweetness and low fibre content. It is still quite unknown and difficult to sell in Europe due to its generally smaller calibres, but it is very popular in the United States."
For legal reasons, mango shipments to the US have to be classified by weight for their processing in hot water. Once the fruit has undergone this process, it is left to rest, treated with hydro-cooling, packed and stored in cold chambers.
"Our products are sold to importers and distributors and we are constantly seeking new business opportunities. Unfortunately, mangoes do not resist long-haul shipments, and thus it is not possible to reach markets such as the Middle East. Our plans include entering the Japanese market, which has some strict phytosanitary requirements on which we are already working and which we will be ready to meet within the next two years," explains Bernardo.
Refin S.A. is committed to quality and good manufacture practices. It has the Global G.A.P. certification and sells the fruit mainly under two brands: Bernie's and Sebastian's; two labels perceived by clients as a guarantee of a job well done.
For more information:
Refin S.A.
Bernardo malo – General Director
Ecuador
Phone. 59 3-9-9252808
Bernardo Malo
bmalo@refintropicals.com
http://www.refintropicals.com/