More than 159,000 trays of mangoes were produced in the week leading into the New Year, according to the most recent crop data from the Australian Mango Industry Association as the national production season begins to gradually slow down towards the end of January.
It comes after 221,000 trays were produced in the week leading into Christmas, however, despite the slight drop tray at the start of January, numbers are forecast to rise again before the end of the month. The overall season forecasts are still predicting an increase on the previous year, despite the past four weeks being under the totals for the same time in the 2020-21 season.
Photo: Late season varieties (Keitt) waiting for their turn to be picked in the Mareeba region. Source: AMIA
In terms of the regional production, the weekly My Mango reported, there has been lower than expected volumes out of Mareeba/Dimbulah for some varieties.
"Last week no R2E2 fruit was dispatched from the region, although small numbers were forecasted," the AMIA said. "There may be some picking in the coming weeks, however, this will be very small amounts. Calypso and Kensington Pride volumes were also lower than expected. There were significantly higher volumes of Honey Gold dispatched and picking is expected to continue through until the end of the month."
Production has completely wrapped up in Katherine, Kununurra and Darwin, while the Bowen/Burdekin region is expected to wind down in the next week. The rise in harvest volumes is expected to be driven by the South East Queensland region, which alone is forecast to produce 331,000 tonnes in the next four weeks.
"Numerous varieties including the PBR varieties, Kensington Pride, R2E2 and Honey Gold are now being picked in the region," the AMIA said. "Volumes are expected to experience a small jump next week and continue increasing thereafter."
In the Western Australian region of Carnarvon, My Mango is reporting that small volumes of Kensington Pride and R2E2 have been dispatched last week but volumes are lower than initially forecasted.
"Some growers are having a small delay to the start of their picking season," the AMIA said. "Some orchards are seeing particularly large fruit this season. The region is experiencing windy conditions this week with a strong wind warning and fire weather warning issued for the Gascoyne Coast."
Fruit is growing in the Gingin region of Western Australia, but recent hot temperatures are expected to affect the crop causing sunburn on the fruit. The AMIA notes that the region continues to experience hot and dry weather this week, but the nights remain cool and late-flowering events might push the season to start a bit later than expected.
For more information
Australian Mango Industry Association
Phone: +61 7 3278 3755
com@mangoes.net.au
www.mangoes.net.au