Guatemalan exporters sent mangos to Europe, eye Chilean market

While the vast majority of the mangos shipped by Guatemalan exporters go to the United States, the eight exporting companies in the country are looking to expand their reach. This past season was the first time they sent fruit to Spain and Germany, and they're aiming to reach more international markets in the future.

“The United States receives 90 percent of the mangos we export and the European Union receives the remaining 10 percent,” noted Eddy Martinez of Agexport Guatemala. “We sent our first shipments by air to Spain and Germany this year, and, in the future, we expect to improve on the 15 tons of fresh mangos we sent by air this year.”

Guatemalan growers have about 6,000 hectares of plantings in the country, with over 83 percent of that area producing Tommy Atkins mangos. Growers also produce Autaulfo, Kent and Keitt varieties, but on a much smaller scale.

The country's eight exporters have worked with the Guatemalan Ministry of Agriculture and Chile's Secretary of Agriculture to open the Chilean market to Guatemalan fruit. Martinez believes this is a big step, as Guatemala's season, which runs from March through April, can complement production from Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Because of this, Martinez is optimistic about the future, despite the disappointing nature of the most recent season.

“After such a bad year like we had in 2015, we producers and exporters are focused on improving productivity and growing higher-quality Guatemalan mangos,” said Martinez. “If we can do that, then we can continue to be as competitive in the international markets as we've been these past 15 years.”

For more information: emartinez@dftmangos.com