The mango harvest in Côte d'Ivoire is approaching, launching one of the earliest mango campaigns in West Africa. According to Joel Adjoka, CEO of Cofruibo & Mango Fresh, the Ivorian mango industry is emerging from a difficult juncture last year.
"We start harvesting at the end of the month, and the campaign is shaping up well. Unlike last season, weather conditions have been good for this season. Last year we suffered particularly from drought, which caused the loss of a third of volumes, but this year the rainfall was sufficient," says Adjoka.
Areas and volumes of fresh mango production have increased considerably, adds the grower. "We hope to see the 40-60% increase over last season's volumes thanks to the improved weather conditions."
Ivorian growers are escaping the fruit fly problem unscathed, says Adjoka. "Losses represent only 7 to 8% of volumes, thanks to good farming operations and government support. That's what makes the difference between Ivorian origin and other West African origins."
"Given the increasing volumes, the agricultural operations, as well as the quality of the fruit, we think that this year Ivorian mangoes will be favorites on the market," adds Adjoka.
As for prices, "things aren't clear yet, and we'll have to wait and see how demand manifests itself," says Adjoka. "I expect prices to oscillate between 6 and 9.5 EUR, or even 10 EUR per 4 kg."
For more information:
Joel Adjoka
Cofruibo & Mango Fresh
Tel. : +225 03 08 10 68
Email: cofruibo_samuel@yahoo.fr