Donkin says, “Over the past few years, we have seen growing demand for South African mangoes in the Middle East and Far East. Last season, approximately 53% of fresh exports were consumed in the EU, either as fresh mango or “fresh cut” mango. The Middle East accounted for 31% of exports and the Far East, 16%.” South Africa is still trying to get access to export mangoes to the USA, China, India, Thailand and Vietnam.
“The weak SA Rand will have a positive effect on returns to growers, however shipping costs are US Dollar based, which offsets, to some extent, the advantage of a weak currency. A weakening currency also means that the prices of many agricultural inputs will go up, which will increase production costs in Rand terms,” explains Donkin.
The Hoedspruit region of the Limpopo province experienced a severe hail storm in November 2015, and Donkin says that this reduced the crop in that area by at least 30%. The extreme heat across the country is resulting in a smaller fruit than usual.
“This translates to a reduction in yield and an advancement in fruit maturity, meaning that the fruit is ready to pick earlier than usual, and will result in the season ending earlier.” However, the post harvest quality is expected to be good as a result of the dry weather experienced.
For more information:
D
erek DonkinSouth African Subtropical Growers Association
Tel: +27 15 307 3676
Email: derek@subtrop.co.za
www.subtrop.co.za
www.mango.co.za