The African mango season is in full swing. The south of Mali, the west of Burkina Faso, the northwest of Guinea and the north of Ivory Coast combined are good for 75 per cent of the entire West African production. Djienma Hema from Burkina Faso, buyer of tropical fruit and advisor for many African agricultural companies: “Mangoes do well in a tropical and fairly wet climate, and climatological circumstances are optimal in these regions.”
“Prospects aren’t great. Last year we suffered drought in Burkina Faso and Mali. Because of this, we’ll have smaller volumes and higher prices.”
Meeting of Malian mango growers in 2016, in preparation for the season.
The fresh mangoes are sold both on local markets and on the export market. Large volumes are sent to France, Germany and Belgium. A large amount of mango is also meant for the processing sector, for juice, for example. Dried mangoes from Burkina Faso are very popular, and are often exported to Western countries. “The future of dried mangoes is looking good. Consumption is increasing both in Burkina Faso and on an international level, and many new drying centres are being built. Kilogram prices are sometimes higher than €8.”
Fresh mangoes, dried mangoes and mango juice: the three most important mango products of Burkina Faso.
The mangoes are sold in crates of 18 kilograms.
“Our growers only supply organic mangoes. They don’t have money for fertiliser or pesticides. The mangoes are therefore produced completely naturally and taste delicious.”
These fruits are ready to be harvested.
“The varieties Kent, Keitt, Amélie, Brooks, Heldon, Palmer and Valencia are sold mostly on both the export market for fresh mangoes and for the processing sector. Besides, there are local, wilder varieties. These often have quite a fibre-rich structure and sell much less.”
Depending on the variety and the country, the West African mango season lasts from March to July.
Djienma at work.
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