"In Northwestern Europe the Kent is still number one, but the Palmer is gaining ground"

'Carry on calmly' is the motto in the mango market at the moment. "There is not even an overly large supply. The demand for mangoes is lagging a little due to the large demand for other summer fruits. The programmes are moving, but on the free market it is overall somewhat slower", says Bert Westera from the Dutch company, Sweet Fruits S.A.

The company, located in the Dutch town of Emmen, is a subsidiary of the Brazilian Secchi Agricola group. This company's European head office is in Portugal. Sweet Fruits is currently getting most of its mangoes from Brazil. There are quality problems here and there in the Brazilian mangoes because of the rain. The prospects are, however, positive, according to Bert. "There was limited supply from Brazil over the last few months. We, therefore, marketed a small amount from Peru, which went reasonably well."

"Currently, the supply remains limited to Tommy Atkins and Palmers. Here, with us, the pressure will explode in September again. Then the first Kents will be flown in from Brazil. A week later, these will be followed by the conventional Kents and Keitts", he says.

A clip about their visit to Brazil

The office in Portugal supplies southern clients with the tree-ripened Palmer. The clients in Northwestern Europe, however, mostly remain faithful to the trusted Kent variety. "Changes in this are slow but sure. Germany, especially, has developed itself into a loyal buyer of the Palmer, and its growth potential."

For more information:
Bert Westera
Sweet Fruits, S. A.
154 Westerstraat
7811 MV Emmen
Tel: +31 (0) 591 745 111
Fax: +31 (0) 591 745 119
bert@sweetfruits.pt