Northern Australia has kicked off a 'great' mango season, with almost 4 million trays expected to be dispatched from Darwin, Katherine and Kununurra by mid-December, according to the Australian Mango Industry Association.
In Darwin, there have been reports of some isolated showers delaying some picking, although the impact has not been significant. Due to the earlier start, many growers across this region are starting to finish, meaning volume is expected to steadily decrease overall in coming weeks.
It is a different story in Kununurra and Katherine with small volumes dispatched so far, but volumes are set to increase in coming weeks. While in Carnarvon, harvest is expected to start later than last year (mid-January), with some spot picking may occur in late December. Currently there are reports of pea size fruit and cooler weather in this region.
Photos: Australian mangoes on display at Central Markets in Texas, USA
In Queensland, some growers have begun to spot pick, with the main harvest expected to take place from mid-November in the Bowen/Burdekin region. While further north in the Mareeba and Dimbulah regions there has been some rain in the region in the past week and there are still mixed reports on expected volumes, depending on variety. Some growers will start spot picking in November, with most to harvest during December.
It is a little too early to tell how the significant the rainfall in South East Queensland may impact growers in the region. Early reports suggest there has not been any major impact to volume, but a clearer picture will be known in coming weeks.
On the retail markets, mangoes have been selling for between $2.50 and $3.00 a piece.
Meanwhile, Australian Mangoes featured at the recent PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans, which attracted over 20,000 visitors. It comes in the third year of the export pilot program between the United States and the Australian Mango Industry, and the event provided an opportunity to engage with growers, exporters, importers and retailers.
The AMIA says the experience encouraged and fostered collaboration, as it "continues a marketing focus on developing a supply chain that consistently delivers a quality mango experience for American consumers, and ensuring retail displays are filled with fresh mangoes that are packed with that unique Australian flavour".
Mango growers in South East Queensland are invited to attend the next round of the Pre-Season Roadshows on Thursday November 16 at Sunnyvale in Benaraby, hosted by Ian and Gloria Pershouse.
For more information:Australian Mango Industry Association
Phone: +61 7 3278 3755