The Mexican mango season runs from February through August, starting in the south of the country with the Oaxaca and Chiapas regions and moving northwards as the season progresses. Crespo Organic Mangoes is the organic brand for RCF Distributors and the Crespo family (El Grupo Crespo), who sell both conventional and organic mangoes. The mangoes are grown in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa.
Nissa Pierson of Crespo Organic says: “Right now we are in a very interesting time of the year for the southern producing regions, the trees are flowering and the mangoes are being formed, yet December and January can usually have crazy weather patterns, especially in Oaxaca, so it is really difficult to predict production volumes at this point. We’ve had ample water to fill the soil which helps the fruit form and mature and develop complex, sweet flavors so the outlook at this point is very positive.”
Last season: challenging for growers
The 2019 season for Mexican mangoes wrapped up a few months ago. Pierson shares: “This last season was complicated for the on the growers side. The fruit was late throughout the entire season, different varietals were ready at different times and there were various sizing issues. Most issues were due to erratic weather patterns, and each region experienced its own specific weather difficulties.”
She adds: “On the sales and marketing side, though, the season was really good. Mangoes have been growing in popularity and organic mangoes have been experiencing a significant rise in demand. So, for us and our customers it was a good season but on the growing side it was tough.”
The Ataulfo variety is taking off
The company grows eight different varieties of the organic mangoes: Tommy Atkins, Kent, Keitt, Haden, baby mangoes, green mangoes, Ataulfo and Thai mangoes. Pierson says: “Every region produces different varietals and growers are currently swapping out varietals in most regions trying to produce higher volumes and better quality. We typically have two to three varietals in each region that fit with the microclimates of the areas and usually produce at different time frames in each region. We have all varietals planted in Sinaloa.”
“The Ataulfo is by far the varietal that’s growing most rapidly, especially in organics. It’s a Mexican varietal and we can grow it in every region for almost the entire length of the Mexican season. Its super popular among consumers because its near fibreless and has a super buttery texture. It’s exceptionally sweet with an incredibly unique flavor profile,” Pierson concludes.
For more information:
Nissa Pierson
Crespo Organic
Email: nissa@ger-nis.com
www.crespoorganic.com