Mango production in India was better this season than it was during the previous season, and part of that increased volume is finding its way to the U.S. market. As American consumers, like consumers around the world, learn about Indian mangos, Indian exporters are hoping shipments to the U.S. will increase in coming years.
“Volumes this season are more than last season, and it looks like Indian exporters will ship 20 to 25 percent more volume than last season in the early period,” said Girish Sarda of Seven Star Fruits in Mumbai. “Last year, there was unseasonable rain in all major production areas, and that was the reason for overall exports being down.” A new hot water and irradiation treatment facility opened by the government also facilitated the export process, thus making it easier for exporters to ship more mangos this year.
Production for the first part of the season was very good, though the latter half promises to bring less volume because of water scarcity and high temperatures in major production areas across the western and southern parts of India. Similarly, the American market offered strong prices through mid-May but now offers lower prices because of increased competition from summer fruit.
Indian mangos began arriving in the U.S. in April, and Sarda thinks those shipments should continue through the end of this month. Seven Star Fruits has shipped about 35 MT of mangos to the U.S. this season, and it's likely total shipments this year will be double those from the previous season.
“Indian mangos are one of the best in terms of taste and cost,” said Sarda. “This is just our second year exporting to the U.S., and our plan is to increase our exports so that Indian people living there will get good quality mangos directly from registered growers at the best prices.” In addition to the U.S., Seven Star sends its mangos to Europe and the United Kingdom.
For more information:
Girish Sarda
Seven Star Fruits
+91 22 40 28 76 07