The mango season has been good recently. "Unlike other years, West Africa had a very limited supply," reflects Henk van der Meij of the Dutch company Hars&Hagebauer However, as the season in Senegal nears, social unrest is causing panic.
On Thursday, after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko was handed a two-year prison sentence, his supporters took to the streets in several Senegalese cities. That has so far led to at least 15 deaths. "There's a major uprising which may well have consequences soon."
Henk is in close contact with his suppliers, but it is very unclear how the season will go. "One supplier already says he can't reach his supply," he explains.
"The phytosanitary service can't perform its task either. It's generally a very anxious time."
"All the boxes and advances are already heading that way, and it's a relatively short season," Henk concludes.
For more information:
Henk van der Meij
Hars & Hagebauer BV
90F Selderijweg
2988 DG, Ridderkerk, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0) 180 745 100
Email: Henk@harshagebauer.nl
Website: www.themangospecialist.com