Mali’s mango production reaches about 200,000 tons of which a quarter are grafted varieties (Zill, Irwin, Amélie, Smith, Kent, Palmer, Keith et Brooks) and the rest non grafted (notably Sabre, Mangotine and Mango vert varieties). The non grafted varieties are mainly consumed by the local population. Production in Mali is generally found on small farms that have modestly sized orchards near Bamako or Sikasso.
Mango farming is generally a family run activity, although sometimes an intermediary gets involved when it is time for harvest. Similar to a seasonal worker, their job is to harvest the mangos according to the appropriate technique, this is quite a recent job in Mali.
Mango exports in 2014 reached 37,572,771 tons. Bakary Togola, President of the Apcam, says that on the global market, Mali’s mangos are amongst the best sold worldwide.
Packaging remains a difficult subject, adding 50% value to the product, the quality of the packaging and presentation needs improvement. Productivity can also be slowed down due to caterpillars and insects.