The impact of the heat wave could be decisive for the Spanish mango harvest

The harvest of Spanish mangoes, whose production is carried out mostly in the Axarquia of Malaga and part of the Tropical Coast of Granada, is around the corner. However, the sector will first have to pass a decisive test in the form of a heat wave.

"Axarquia mangoes won't reach their ideal point of ripeness and Brix degrees until after August is over. Still, it is inevitable that some producers, motivated by the high prices usually reached by the first mangoes of the campaign, will pick their mangoes too early. It usually happens every year," says Alvaro Martinez, manager of the Malaga-based company Axarfruit, specialized in the production and marketing of organic avocados, mangoes and lemons. 

"Production volumes are expected to be greater than those of the 2020 campaign, exceeding 20,000 tons, although they won't be as great as we originally expected (about 40,000 tons) due to the impact of the weather. The original prospect had been made taking into account the productive capacity of the area devoted to mangoes and the entry into production of younger plantations," says the manager of Axarfruit. "There are farms with large productions, but also areas with significant losses due to the massive abortion of flowers during the fruit set period," he says.

A strong heat wave has been expected to hit much of Spain, according to weather forecasts, raising the concerns of producers. "Temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, which could lead to significant fruit drop, as well as damage from skin burns, which would cause them to lose their commercial value. This week will be key in determining what quantities we'll have available and what the quality will be like. Some avocado varieties, such as the Lamb Hass, which is more resistant to low temperatures, but sensitive to heat stress, could also be affected," says Álvaro Martínez. 

According to the Malaga-based producer and marketer, climate change is bringing increasingly harsh summers. Last year, temperatures reached almost 50ºC in some parts of the province. Meanwhile, the lack of water is a growing problem that is already taking a toll on the current production of subtropical fruits in Malaga.

"There has already been talk for years about the possible problems caused by the lack of water resources, but the truth is that this is already a very real problem. It is no longer a question of being able to continue expanding the acreage in Malaga, but of being able to keep what we already have," says Álvaro Martínez. In fact, mango harvests are far from reaching their maximum productive potential (around 60,000 tons), which could be achieved with ideal climatic conditions and sufficient water availability. Right now, for example, we could irrigate more in order to counteract the impact of the heat wave, or make use of climate control systems with water spraying."

"However, the problem is already upon us and there are no short-term solutions. The sector would be willing to pay for any solution to have greater access to water, given the wealth generated in this province through the cultivation of subtropical crops," he says.

Until the Spanish production arrives, Axarfruit will be marketing organic mangoes from Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, as well as conventional Palmer mangoes from Brazil. They are also selling organic avocados from Peru and conventional ones from Colombia, while the first containers from Mexico are starting to arrive. "A lot of fruit is arriving in Europe from different origins; over 800 containers a week. Although consumption is good, it is not as high as it will be from September onwards, after the holiday period. Prices now range between 6 and 7 Euro per 4 kilo box. As far as mangoes are concerned, it has been a year with many ups and downs in general and with low prices. Still, I hope that prices in the import market will start to rebound these days."

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