Canada relies on imports for a large share of its produce offering. One company strictly handling offshore imports for the Canadian market is Go Fresh Produce, a division of Gambles Group of Companies. "We partner with only the best growers from around the world and import fruits and vegetables from everywhere to ensure year-round availability," says Marcelo Rusca, Business Development Manager at Go Fresh. One of the products Rusca proudly talks about is mangos.
Tree-ripened mangos from Peru
Mangos are currently sourced in Peru as well as Mexico. "The Peruvian season is coming to an end, but at the end of the season, there is fantastic fruit available. Beautiful tree-ripened mangos offer the customer a great eating experience," Rusca said. This high-quality fruit is flown in by air and despite its relatively high price, the quality and eating experience are most important to the consumer. "It's more of a niche market." However, it's not only the end of the Peruvian season that is seeing high prices. Short supply caused elevated pricing for most of the season. Peru's crop was very much impacted by weather conditions and the short supply caused prices to be up 60 percent from last year. "It was challenging to move fruit that is so expensive, but we noticed that consumers were much more focused on the eating experience. People remember a good experience first, followed by the price."
Haden mango variety.
Mexico ramping up
With the South American season coming to an end, the focus is now shifting to Mexico. That's where Go Fresh currently sources the majority of its mangos from. "For proximity reasons, no one can compete with Mexico when they are in season," commented Rusca. "Within five days, the fruit is in Canada." The Mexican season started up in March and finishes in September and Rusca considers both availability and quality to be good. "We will need to wait a little longer for tree-ripe mangos from Mexico to be available," he said. Currently, the Ataulfo and Haden varieties are available for the Canadian market while Tommy Atkins makes its way over to the U.S. By June, the season will continue with the Kent variety.
Given that Mexico came into a short market, prices were high. They are still high, but usually drop after Easter when availability becomes more abundant. "That's what we are seeing right now. Prices are dropping and will continue to come down."
Kent variety.
Gambles Group of Companies and its division Go Fresh Produce will be exhibiting at CPMA later this month. Visit the company at booth #745.
For more information:
Marcelo Rusca
Go Fresh Produce
Tel: (+1) 437 286-4579
marcelo.rusca@gofreshproduce.com
www.gofreshproduce.com