Starting earlier than usual and ending earlier than usual, too, the Ivorian mango season was disappointing this year, according to statements from several exporters, including Joel Adjoka, CEO of Cofruibo & Mango Fresh.
The exporter explains: "The season started as early as March 31, and there were still mangoes from Peru when our first shipments arrived in Europe. This caused prices to fall from the second week of the campaign, and they remained low until the end of the season. The early onset of the rains then led to a hasty end to the campaign, as of May 15, and export volumes were lower overall compared with the previous season."
The season just ended and saw an improvement in mango quality in general, but the sector was still affected by the quality problems encountered last season, according to Adjoka. He adds, "Some exporters were able to maintain the same export volume performance as last season, while others saw their orders reduced due to last season's results."
© Joel
The campaign was also marked by logistical difficulties, according to Adjoka: "There was a slowness in paperwork and a long stay of containers in ports, coupled with exaggerated freight prices."
Another Ivorian exporter comments, "The campaign ended too early this year, on May 15, and this premature end had a big impact on export volumes. The campaign usually lasts until mid-June. We're working in an unpredictable context due to climate change, which shortens the campaign, whereas we can't shift the mango production or ripening cycle."
"There are certainly improvements to be made, both in terms of logistics and marketing strategies. We have seen this season that the Dutch market is capable of absorbing large volumes for redistribution and remains a very promising market for the seasons to come," Adjoka concludes.
For more information:
Joel Adjoka
Cofruibo & Mango Fresh
Tel: +225 03 08 10 68
Email: [email protected]
