"The yellow mango, a 200-250-gram fruit, is an expression of ethnicity," said Giorgio Donnarumma, sales manager of the Milan-based Nuovafrutta, speaking of this product's commercial season, which runs from March to July.
"We have both the Gota de Oro mango from Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, and the Ataulfo variety from Mexico. In terms of quality and processing, the Mexican yellow mango is superior, so much so that it is intended for our most demanding customers, namely those who look at taste and not just price. The Gota de Oro variety is cheaper because of its simpler processing and more competitive airfreight costs compared to Mexico, but it is still delicious."
Mexican Ataulfo Mango (Photo provided by Giorgio Donnarumma - Nuovafrutta)
"Ninety-nine percent of yellow mango is distributed among ethnic markets. "We move significant quantities, namely 2,000 packages per week of the Gota de Oro variety and 600-700 cartons per week of Ataulfo mangoes. In Italy, consumers are more tied to the Kent variety, a fruit that weighs at least 500 grams. Actually, it's a matter of habit, as even the Hass avocado was not at first appreciated because of its darker skin, now you almost can't do without it. Unfortunately, trends and novelties are not always welcome until very late,” said Donnarumma.
In addition, the sales manager pointed out that one's idea of a mango is that of a larger, orange-red fruit. "The yellow mango, with its more elongated shape, is unknown, and does not meet the common idea of the mango."
Mango Gota de Oro from Santo Domingo. (Photo provided by Giorgio Donnarumma - Nuovafrutta)
The Mexican yellow mango season is expected to be shorter this year, due to weather and problems in flowering, but also penalized by very high airfreight costs.
In general, demand for mangoes is standard, with stable prices. "The market for the product arriving by air is regular. A slump can be seen for the fruit transported by sea. In particular, the prices of the yellow mango Gota de Oro have a range between €3.80 and €4.00 per kilo, while the Ataulfo variety reaches quotations of €4.50 per kilo."
Mexican Ataulfo Mango (Photo provided by Giorgio Donnarumma - Nuovafrutta)
At the end of the yellow mango season, it is also possible to find Banilejo mango, also of Dominican origin, which in shape resembles a comma and which we can really define as a niche market. "We import 800 parcels per week of this variety, but it must be said that this is a very distinctive market."
Mango Gota de Oro from Santo Domingo. (Photo provided by Giorgio Donnarumma - Nuovafrutta)
Finally, Donnarumma pointed out that around 15-18 August the yellow mango of Brazilian origin campaign will restart. "The product comes from a specific region, Petrolina, and we market it for 4-5 weeks. After that, the yellow mango season for us ends and we start again the following year."