Supplies of mangoes are short though greater supplies are on the horizon.
“There is a lower volume of red mangoes because of the pandemic and the climate in Brazil which is the main supplier at this time,” says Giorgio Ceciarelli of GC Imports based in Toronto, Canada. Also factoring into Brazil’s supplies is a shift in logistics. “Brazil used to ship a lot via air, but the rates have gone up so they’re only shipping by sea and that’s shortened supplies a bit too.”
At the same time, production has begun in two additional countries. “Ecuador and Peru have just started and that could make a difference in the marketplace. The crops aren’t too abundant, but the volume appears to be coming in okay,” says Ceciarelli, adding that while Ecuador began shipping later than usual, Peru began earlier.
Ataulfos begin
Their entrance into the market also signals a change in varieties. While Brazil is heavy on shipping Tommy Atkins mangoes, Peru is starting out with Ataulfos. “In the second week of November, they’ll start with the Kent mangoes, which is a fiberless variety that has more acceptance in the market and those go until March,” says Ceciarelli.
At the same time, mango consumption is down somewhat from the pandemic. “And prices are up, a little higher than usual. So, with that and lower offers of mangoes, that affects demand,” he says.
Ceciarelli notes that while pricing on specialty varieties such as Ataulfo is higher than last year at this time, pricing on more mainstream mangoes such as Tommy Atkins is similar to last year.
Looking ahead, he anticipates pricing to drop soon now that Ecuador and Peru are shipping. “Peru will fill up the gap and demand will be steady. We don’t see a big change with the holidays,” says Ceciarelli. “Then Mexico starts in January with Ataulfo and then Tommys and Kents. Once Mexico starts, usually the prices lower a bit.”
For more information:
Giorgio Ceciarelli
GC Imports
Tel: +1 (416) 649 5775
giorgio@gcimports.ca
www.gcimports.ca