Puerto Rico's main mango season is still a few months away, but growers are saying the orchards are looking very promising for the upcoming season. Growers of mangoes and other crops were badly affected by Hurricane Maria in 2017, but the good news is that recovery is well underway and a solid mango crop is expected for 2019.
"Our season for fresh mango goes from mid-April and closes at the end of July, although we also produce green mango from September through March," said Eileen Rodriguez of MS Mango in Puerto Rico. "As many are aware, Puerto Rico suffered Hurricane Maria’s fury on September 2017. It was devastating for all our crops but we have worked very hard to regain our production capacity. In the recovery process we supported our employees and even covered some of their needs. We believe on working together and making stronger communities. Thanks to this mutual collaboration our our orchards are looking amazing and very promising and we are expecting great quality mangoes in great quantities!"
European market vital to Puerto Rico
Despite being a US territory, almost all of the mangoes that are exported from Puerto Rico are shipped to Europe. Growers say there is simply too much competition from other Latin American producers for Puerto Rico to compete on a cost basis, especially with most of the mangoes traveling into North America over land. Additionally, producers note that the European market prefers Keitt mango - the mainstay of Puerto Rican growers.
"Although we have a first-class product, North America gets most of their mangoes from Mexico, Central and South America," Rodriguez observed. "Transportation is by land, therefore their overall costs are lower, making Mexico’s mango a more attractive proposition. Another reason our main export destination is Europe is because Keitt mangoes represent most of our production and this variety is favored in the European market. Our crop pleases this region’s taste."
Rodriguez added that MS Mango partners with several companies to transport their mangoes to Europe, with Rotterdam the usual main port of entry. "We ship with various shipping companies to facilitate transit time and logistics," she said. "We work with Dole, Geest line and CMA-CGM and proudly export our mangoes to Germany, England and the Netherlands. We are currently in negotiations with other regions of Western Europe as well."
Attendance at Fruit Logistica
Visitors to Berlin's Fruit Logistica in February will have the opportunity to see Puerto Rican mangoes and learn more about MS Mango's European program. The company said it will be a part of the Southern United States Trade Association booth.
"We will be located at the SUSTA Pavilion, Hall 23, booth A-10," shared Rodriguez. "Our visitors will find our warm and expert farm personnel to discuss our mango program. In addition to our fruit exhibits, marketing information and surprise souvenirs, they will also get to try delicious recipes made with our mangoes."
She concluded by sharing the company's plans for the future, "We are very excited to see how planning for the future is now being fulfilled. In 2001, we began planting, with the expectancy to have land expansion. At that time, 110 trees were planted per acre. Our trees have grown strong and healthy since that time. As we’ve been anticipating for our future, more land has been acquired. We are now able to double our planting area and is time to relocate the trees. This project will allow us to control density, quality, pest control and will improve fruit coloration. To do this, we are using a D90 Tree Spade. This equipment has great technology and precision that allows us to relocate the trees without harming them and reducing stress to the minimum. With the end results of doubling the trees and the production in no time."
"Puerto Rican mangoes are top quality. We are dedicated to giving the European market excellent fruit with the best taste and quality that the Caribbean can offer. Please visit our booth, experience our fruit and flavors and spend some time with us."
For more information:
Eileen Rodríguez Scheman
MS Mango
Ph: +1 (787) 672-9624
eileen@ganedenfarm.com
www.gomangopr.com