The low supply of Spanish mangoes has pushed their prices up this year, so the difference with the overseas production is much higher. Malaga and Granada, which account for most of Spain's subtropical production, are being hard hit by drought. This is the main reason why the mango and avocado production is plummeting by 70 to 80% this year.
"There is demand for Spanish mangoes, but prices are very high due to the low supply. It is undoubtedly a difficult campaign, with a lot of tension. Some importers still want the Spanish product, despite its high price, because they appreciate it and understand the situation, but those who are used to paying only a little more for it prefer to opt for other origins," said Antonio Fernando Prados, director of the Malaga-based company Axarquia Tropical.
According to the producer and exporter, despite the low production, the quality of Spanish mangoes is good and there's an abundance of large sizes. "Contrary to what happened last season, when small and medium sizes predominated, this season there is a higher percentage of large sizes because there are fewer fruits per tree, so medium sized mangoes are the most sought after."
The Spanish season will obviously be shorter this year, although the supply from other origins in Europe is not plentiful either. "We expect there to be a shortage in Europe, and it will take weeks for the balance between supply and demand to be restored, as reflected by prices," said Antonio Fernando.
The director of this Malaga-based company warned that if another year with low yields due to drought follows, some producers may abandon their crops. "For many growers, this year's results will lead them to make some final decisions. So far, it has been possible to subsist barely with water from wells and a limited supply from the Viñuela reservoir, but if solutions are not found in the short term or it does not start raining, it may be unsustainable to face one more harvest like this."
Axarquia Tropical will soon start marketing the first smooth-skinned avocados of the season. "Just like other crops, the avocado harvest is also arriving early. We expect to start next week with the first Bacon avocados, which will be followed by the Fuerte variety and, at the end of October or beginning of November, with the Hass," said Antonio Fernando Prados.
For more information:
Antonio Fernando Prados (director)
Axarquía Tropical
C/ Peñuelas 2
29793 Torrox Costa
Malaga. Spain
M: +34 616 444 740
[email protected]
www.axarquiatropical.com
