Mango volumes from Mexico are higher than they were at this time last year, according to figures released from the National Mango Board. The northern states of Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa are in production at the moment, with those states suffering from dry conditions. For the most part, however, conditions in all Mexican growing regions are stable, resulting in the rise in production up to this point in 2018. Shortly, mango production will transition back south again for the winter months.
"The number of mangoes shipped from Mexico currently stands at 69,654,404 boxes in 2018 versus 67,842,453 boxes in 2017, which is a 3 percent rise," said Carla Sosa of the National Mango Board. "Back in June during the transition between southern and northern states, there was a gap due to a slower than expected start from the northern states, followed by a shift in the peak of their season. The projections and import volume were also affected during the second part of the season due to higher than normal fruit abortion caused by drought conditions in the central and northern Pacific areas. Weather-related issues are always a risk that can affect the crop suddenly. At this point, we are not aware of any issues affecting the crop, but we are in contact with the associations to track any issues that may come up."
Haiti production impacted by last year's hurricanes
While production in Mexico is going strongly, Haiti's crop has suffered badly from last year's devastating hurricanes. Additionally, the season was delayed by six weeks as the trees took time to recover. For the remainder of the Haiti season, growers are hoping to make up a bit of ground and before their season finishes in this region.
"Overall mango volumes from Haiti have been 48 percent less compared to the same time last year," Sosa noted. So far in 2018, 1,467,169 boxes have been shipped, compared with 2,174,596 boxes in 2017. This year the season was delayed due to the impact of the 2017 hurricanes and the heavy rains that followed, which significantly affected the trees and the flowering stage. Due to the later than normal start, the 2018 season will extend through the first week of September, compared to the 2017 season that ended at the end of July. Projections for the 2018 season are 1.6 million boxes compared to 2.1 million boxes in 2017."
Brazil begins its season
As we head to South America, we find that Brazil commenced their crop in early August. Projected volumes are largely unchanged from last year, and growers expect timing to be very close to the average as well. So far, it's been a smooth start to the Brazilian mango season.
"Brazil started their season a couple of weeks ago in week 31 (August 4)," Sosa shared. "Projections for this season are 1 percent less compared to the 2017 season. They are projecting 7.8 million boxes for the season and expecting to finish their season during the second week of December. At this point, we are not aware of any weather-related issues affecting the crop."
Board encourages growers to add logo to box
The National Mango Board is encouraging industry members to add the NMB text logo onto their mango boxes or PLU stickers. Sosa said the Board is committed to providing the mango industry with the tools and resources needed for a successful mango business and one of those tools is the NMB’s text logo that can be added to mango boxes."Recent studies show that consumer barriers with mangos continue to include how to choose, cut and use mangos," she explained. "By adding the text logo on the mango boxes, the industry is encouraging consumers as well as the mango supply chain to visit the NMB’s website to gain access to more resources and tools that will help their businesses while educating and inspiring their customers."
For more information:
Carla Sosa
National Mango Board
Tel: +1 (407) 629-7318