Spain expects its mango production to be 50% lower than that of 2014, according to sources in the sector consulted by FreshPlaza. In addition to the abundant fruit drop during the flowering period, this is an "OFF year", as the industry calls it, after an "ON year" with good volumes, when more than 24,000 tonnes were harvested.
50% fewer Osteen mangoes are consequently expected, a variety which accounts for 90% of the total planted in Spain. Regarding the Keitt and Kent varieties, volumes are estimated to be about 15% greater; in any case, neither this, nor the entry into production of younger plantations will manage to offset the drop of the Osteen.
It all points to a campaign with record prices
Given the high prices reached last season, which exceeded 2 Euro per kilo at origin, "this year they are expected to be similar or even higher," report representatives of the trader Reyes Gutiérrez. "While the 14 kilo box started last season with prices of around 6 Euro, this year it won't be a surprise if it costs more than 10 Euro," affirms Kenneth Meijer, Commercial Director of Natural Tropic.
Furthermore, Israel already announced early in its campaign that it would supply 50% fewer mangoes, and therefore expected to finish in week 38 or 39. Meanwhile, the market only has small volumes of Brazilian Palmer and the Tommy will arrive later, although their quality was far from acceptable last season.
"There will be very few mangoes on the market until the arrival of the Spanish production. We believe that, in the short to medium term, Spanish mangoes will be in a good position in the European market with very high prices, similar to those reached by mangoes shipped by air," explain representatives of Reyes Gutiérrez. "Last year was extraordinary in terms of quality, since ripening facilities wasted very little. For that reason, the big operators prefer to pay more and more for our mangoes," they added.