Mango market under pressure

“In recent weeks, the mango market has dealt with an oversupply from many countries at the same time. In addition to the African Kent mangoes (Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso), there are supplies from Central and South America from Brazil, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Mexico. In addition, Israel is able to come to the market fast, causing a saturated market, while demand is actually reaching the lowest point. Now that the European stone fruit season has begun, all eyes are on these items, and the mangoes and other exotics are moving to second place until the end of the summer,” says Carlos Andre de Faria of Sun City in Bleiswijk.

Sun City in Bleiswijk currently receives Tommy Atkins and Palmer mangoes from Brazil, and the last containers of African mangoes from Ivory Coast. “But we are limiting our shipments from Brazil as much as we can. We only import Palmer mangoes for direct programmes, and then only minimally,” says Carlos Andre de Faria. “On the spot market, the prices are at a level of between 3 euros and a maximum of 4.50 euros for the hard mangoes of the ideal sizes.”

Quality-wise, the season was normal as far as African mangoes are concerned. There were many logistical problems though, and an oversupply of the mid sizes, according to Andre. “In general, the Tommy Atkins is a bit weaker than the Palmer, with a shorter shelf life. The advantage is that the quality is very stable because of the dry weather in Brazil. According to the producer, the North European consumer, especially in France and the United Kingdom, prefer Kent, and the Palmer is doing very well in Spain and Portugal.

Carlos Andre de Faria left Brazil for the Netherlands eight years ago, to start a sales agency for the European market. The company represents one of the biggest mango producers in Brazil, and supplies to numerous European importers and retailers of mangoes. He believes Europe remains an important market for the overseas producers. “For mango exporters, Europe is the most reliable and stable market. We can plan year-round programmes, and have constant shipments every week.”

For more information:
Carlos André de Faria
Sun City bv
Tel: +31 010-2667640
Email: andre@suncity-fruit.nl
www.scf-mango.com