The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting a referendum among eligible first handlers and importers of fresh and frozen mangos to determine whether they favor the continuance of the National Mango Board. This referendum will be held Sept. 21 - Oct. 9, 2020. First handlers who handled and importers who imported 500,000 pounds of fresh mangos or 200,000 pounds of frozen mangos in the 2019 calendar year are eligible to vote. Eligible first handlers and importers of fresh and frozen mangos will receive a ballot and voting instructions directly from USDA.
Formed in 2005, NMB’s mission is to increase consumption of mangos in the U.S. by inspiring consumers and educating them about the culture, flavor, and nutrition of mangos, while bringing the industry together. Mangos are one of the fastest growing fruits in the U.S., when measured in volume.
Mango Industry Snapshot
- The value generated by the NMB programs over the last six years has resulted in an additional gain of $508 million for the mango industry.
- From 2005 to 2019, the FOB value of mango imports increased 142% from $262 million in 2005 to $635 million in 2019.
- National Mango Board promotion programs have contributed to increasing consumption to 3.25 pounds per capita in the U.S., a 73% increase from 2005.
- Mangos were ranked No. 20 in sales dollars and No. 14 in volume in the 2014/2015 Nielsen fruit rankings. Today, mangos are in the No. 17 spot based on sales and No. 12 spot based on volume for the first half of 2020.
- According to United Fresh Produce Association’s Fresh Insights for Foodservice Spring 2020, mango is the top growing produce side item among all fruits and vegetables with a 154% increase on menus in the last four years.
The NMB works towards its mission through two core programs – Marketing & Communications and Research & Industry Relations.
The marketing program targets consumers, along with retailers, foodservice, and other key audiences. The NMB works hand in hand with more than 80 retail partners educating retailers on mango handling best practices and supporting retail promotions. The NMB’s established social channels inspire consumers to purchase mangos online and in-store all year long.
The research program is designed to discover new, positive health benefits from eating mangos, improve mango eating quality and consistency for U.S. consumers, and spread communication and education to mango growers, harvesters, packers, and shippers.
The industry relations program enhances industry communication and preparedness to create a unified mango industry. Throughout the years, these programs have worked together to accomplish the NMB’s vision - for mangos to move from being an exotic fruit to a daily necessity in every U.S. household.
NMB programs helped generated additional demand for mango, averaging an additional 18% more market penetration annually since 2015.
For more information:
National Mango Board
Jessica Bohlman
National Mango Board
Tel: +1 (407) 629-7318 ext. 111
Email: jbohlman@mango.org
www.mango.org
Marlene Betts
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-5057
Email: Marlene.Betts@usda.gov