After last season, which saw some growers in the Northern Territory down 50-80% in volume due to a poor flowering caused by a warm winter, this season according to Piccone, is shaping up to be more of an average volume season.
"Some growers have had a poor flowering or low levels of fruit set and some fruit drop, but in general flowering has been extended over about 5 months in the Northern Territory and fairly good."
Manbulloo are the biggest producer of Kensington Pride in Australia, and also grow significant volumes of R2E2, "We are happy with the growing season, we will start harvesting tomorrow in the Northern Territory and harvesting at our Northern Queensland plantations will possibly go on until early January," said Piccone.
The company exports to mainland China and Korea as well supplying the domestic market – "we have a great commercial relationship with Coles supermarkets and they retail significant volumes of our mangoes. Marie is hoping they will be able to recommence business with Japan in the future since the signing of the free trade agreement back in April, but says it might take several more years to sort out the issue of the fungicide chemical called fludioxonil, used globally to prevent post harvest disease fruit rots.
This season Manbulloo will be using new polypropylene trays which are more environmentally friendly, volumes of sea freight to China and Korea will also increase. They are also going to supply Coles Supermarkets with a special Christmas mango and other lines to entice consumers.
For more information:
Marie Piccone
Manbulloo Ltd
Tel: + 61 7 3860 6990
Mob: + 61 417 616 476
Email: mpiccone@manbulloo.com
www.manbulloo.com