It's that time of year when the popular Keitt mango is available in stores for a limited time only. The mango variety is in extremely high demand because of its large size and short supply window. "It's only a six-week run, and the fruit is flying out the door," says Daniel Ibarra, President of Splendid by Porvenir. Harvest started around mid-August for Splendid, and the company expects to wrap up at the end of Labor Day week. This is a slightly earlier end than usual, but total volume is actually higher this season. "High temperatures made the fruit mature faster and as a result, most fruit came on very fast, resulting in a more concise season."
The warm weather has had a positive impact on fruit quality. "In fact, the growing conditions are ideal," Ibarra commented. Keitt mangos thrive in a hot and dry climate. While the region received some intermittent rains, they weren't heavy enough to affect the quality of the fruit.
© Splendid by PorvenirKeitt Kong display at Hennings Market in Harleysville PA, directed by Brian Dey of Four Seasons Produce.
Limited competition
Another reason for the strong demand for Keitt mangos is limited competition from other mango varieties this time of year. It's an ideal window of availability because there aren't many mango options for U.S. buyers this time of year. "For a short while, there was overlap with Kent mangos, even with our own Kents," said Ibarra. "However, our Kent volume was down this year and the options for buyers procuring mangos were definitely limited this season."
Increase in organic plantings
Splendids' Keitt mangos are brought to market as Keitt Kongs, a nod to King Kong. They are grown in Los Mochis in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico's latest mango growing region. Keitt Kongs are available in both organic and conventional at retail stores nationwide as well as high-end organic stores. "Our organic plantings are increasing every year, allowing for promotions for both," says Splendid's Cindy Schwing. To drive sales, some beautiful displays of both conventional and organic Keitt Kongs have been built. "This is the first year we've built Keitt Kong displays," says Brian Dey with Four Seasons. "It's a new program for us that started with a conversation with Cindy Schwing at the Organic Produce Summit. The fruit is amazing and displays fantastic."
© Splendid by PorvenirDaniel Ibarra and Cindy Schwing.
Once the Keitt Kong season has wrapped up early September, Splendid will be looking to Brazil, watching the off-shore deal carefully. "Brazil has been impacted by the tariff situation and that has certainly entered the equation for this upcoming season," concluded Schwing.
© Splendid by Porvenir
For more information:
Cindy Schwing
Splendid by Porvenir LLC
Tel: (+1) 956-793-6493
[email protected]
https://splendidbyporvenir.com/keittkong/
