Increased demand for hard-to-find varieties and the upcoming end to the Brazilian growing season have given specialty mango importers an edge on the American market this season.
Vanna Om Strinko of Vanna’s Tropical Fruits & Vegetables, Inc., reports that Ecuadorian imports are performing exceptionally well for her company this season. Strinko says that current market conditions are “very demanding,” noting that her company has been unable to meet demand on some products.
Strinko explains that rising demand for rare mango varieties and the end of the Brazilian growing season have given her company the edge against the competition.
Strinko says that her company imports primarily from Ecuador and Peru at this time of year. The supply vacuum has meant that wholesalers and retailers are willing to pay higher prices for Strinko’s mangoes, which typically bear high shipping costs due to air freight. Strinko expects this will continue until March, when the Mexico harvest begins and American prices plummet.
In the meantime, Strinko’s company is reporting strong sales for specialty varieties like Nam Doc Mai and Ataulfo, along with unripe green mangoes. Vanna Strinko says that 9.3 pound units of Nam Doc Mai and Ataulfo mangoes are selling for roughly $13.00 to $13.50 and $12.00, respectively. Demand remains high, as Strinko reports that she is selling out of her stock for both varieties each week. Meanwhile, 50 pound boxes of green mangoes are selling for $93.00 to $95.00 per box to wholesalers.
Strinko says that these strong prices are due in large part to high demand – particularly among California’s Asian-American population – and limited availability, as few other US importers specialize in these varieties.
For more information:
Vanna Om Strinko
Vanna’s Tropical Fruits & Vegetables, Inc.
Tel: +1 (305) 597-8347