South American Mango availability to the US is struggling this season. Ecuador and Peru, two key suppliers, have been impacted by the El Niño phenomenon, which significantly affected bloom hence causing lower production. While Ecuador usually ships through December or early January, shipments are expected to finish much earlier this season. “There is some fruit on the trees for December, but if the rain comes early, it may affect the ability to have export quality,” says Ronnie Cohen with Vision Global Group. “At this point, it is unknown and at the mercy of mother nature,” he added.
Ronnie Cohen with Vision Global Group.
Peru, a significant supplier to the US market, shipped 23.5 billion boxes (4 kg.) to the US last season 2023, but the country’s production is predicted to be down at least 50 percent this 2023-2024 season. As a result, the elevated FOB price of mangos that has seen an increase from $8 to $14 in the past four to six weeks could extend through February or possibly March.
Smaller retail displays
“This high price really is a challenge,” shared Cohen. “At some point you price yourself out of the market and in many cases, we are already there. Mangos are not an item everybody has to have and when they become too expensive, consumers stop buying them. That’s what we are starting to see.” At the retail level, displays become smaller and in foodservice, mangos are being taken off the menu and replaced with an alternative. Within the fresh-cut segment, mangos are taken out of the mix as it is no longer cost effective. “Mangos are an item people don’t have to have unfortunately. It’s a terrible situation for everyone involved from the grower to the ultimate consumer.”
For more information:
Ronnie Cohen
Vision Global Group, LLC
Tel: (+1) 917-930-7178
ronnie@visionglobalgroup.com
www.visionglobalgroup.com