The United States' mango import volume has increased by 62% between 2005 and 2013, but this year the weather issues in Latin America have affected its usual growth.
"Peru, Ecuador and Brazil have all shown declines in exports to the United States this year, as the weather phenomenon El Niño has caused some problems with the crops," says Angela Serna, communications manager of the National Mango Board (NMB).
Mangoes.
According to Leo Ortega, Research director of the NMB, taking into account the volume imported between January and September, the import volume in 2014 has decreased by approximately 11% compared to 2013 (366,905 versus 326,012 tonnes), mainly due to meteorological factors in Mexico and Brazil.
In the case of organic mangoes, the decline has been even stronger, with a 52% reduction in the import volume compared to 2013 in the period between January and September (52,949 versus 111,404 tonnes).
This drop in imports has not changed Mexico's position as the undisputed leader in the U.S. market, representing 66% of the country's total imported volume, followed by Peru with 12% and Brazil, with a little less than 7%.
In regard to varieties, according to Kristine Concepción, Director of Industry Relations of the NMB, the yellow variety Ataulfo is gradually increasing its demand, although the largest share of the market is still for the Tommy Atkins.
Market share of different mango varieties in the U.S.
For more information:
NATIONAL MANGO BOARD
jgrullon@mango.org
www.mango.org