Imports of mangos from Mexico this year trail behind the pace set by U.S. importers last season. Prices for the fruit have also been up from last season.For the week ending on July 19, shipments of mangos from Mexico to the U.S. totalled 3.1 million boxes, which brought the total for the season to 46.6 million boxes. As a comparison, shipments for the same time last season totalled 3.3 million boxes for the week and 52.6 million boxes for the season. Less fruit this season has coincided with higher prices.
“We don't really know the reason for there being less fruit, but there are fewer mangos around this season,” said Jesse Sepulveda of Vision Produce Company. “This whole season has been unusual, with prices higher than in past years.” The average price per box for Ataulfo mangos for the week ending on July 19 was $5.40 and $5.96 at Texas and Nogales entry points, respectively. Average price for a box of Tommy Atkins mangos was $4.58 at the Texas entry point and $4.74 at the Nogales entry point, and the average price for a box of Kent mangos was $4.60 at the Texas entry point and $4.94 at the Nogales entry point.