Volumes of mangoes imported into North America is steady right now.
“We have good volume in mangoes coming in from Peru and Ecuador with about five to six loads per week,” says Vicky Cabello of Cabefruit Produce LLC in McAllen, Tex. “Supply is higher compared to last year. During these same dates last year, we were almost done with the season. This year, we’re planning to receive more mangoes in the coming two to three weeks.” She adds that Cabefruit expects to receive higher volume on bulk mangoes and that it has also tried a few loads of a new mango variety, Nam Doc Mai, although it was more limited in volume.
Jesse Garcia of LA Produce Distributors in Los Angeles, Cal. notes that the two countries of origin for mango right now—Peru and Ecuador--did overlap somewhat this year. “We will see Ecuador’s volume declining and Peru increasing a lot and sizing this year out of Peru will be smaller so I think we will see low prices on small fruit. There are plenty of mangoes at the moment. There seem to be a few more this year,” says Garcia. “But the problem is demand is weak.
Photo: Jesse Garcia of LA Produce Distributors
Developing opportunities
While Cabello notes that demand is strong from Asian and Latino markets, Garcia adds that demand is coming from both fresh cut and retailers. “I think the fresh cut will continue to grow, with retailers making bigger displays and promoting fresh-cut mangoes,” he says.
As for pricing, Garcia says it’s been steady. “The larger fruit was holding well but Ecuador sized up and the market dropped a bit,” he says. “Peru will have a lot of 10/12 ct so we will see pretty good promotional pricing from Peru. Last year’s pricing was a bit higher out of Ecuador and Peru maintained very good pricing last season.”
The challenge with tropicals
Meanwhile Cabello does note that it’s a demanding time of year to work with tropicals. “It’s challenging in the winter, especially with the Ataulfo,” she says. “But I think we have an excellent season this year and for next year, the challenge will be to keep higher standards of quality so customers will keep trusting Ecuadorian and Peruvian mangoes.”
Photo: Cabefruit Produce LLC
Garcia notes another challenge is to stay in rotation. “Keeping the fruit moving so it doesn’t get ripe on you, especially during slow weeks like these holidays,” he says.
And at the end of January, another country of origin begins production: Mexico. “There’s a high expectation of volumes and excellent quality from the Chiapas,” says Cabello.
For more information:
Jesse Garcia
LA Produce Distributors
Tel: +1 (562) 448-5555
jgarcia@laproducedistributors.com
www.laproducedistributors.com
Vicky Cabello
Cabefruit Produce LLC
Tel: +1 (956) 686-7359
vickycabello@cabefruitproduce.com
www.cabellogroup.com