The first time Colombian mangos entered the U.S. it was after obtaining access from APHIS at the end of December 2022. Back then, it was the Keitt variety. However, in the last few days, a new Colombian mango has reached shelves across the U.S.: the Sugar Baby mango, a juicy and extra-sweet variety.
Most commonly, mango varieties in the U.S. come from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. “Unless other growing and harvesting times are chosen, as well as larger plantations using hot water treatment facilities are installed, Colombia will have to compete with the common red mango from other origins,” said Nick Bernal, director of Seasons Farm Fresh, an importing company.
However, the Sugar Baby mango is unique to Colombia and Colombian exotic fruits now have an opportunity to integrate into the U.S. supply network.
In the last few days, the new Colombian Sugar mango has reached shelves across the U.S.
It's not just the kind of mango that is unique. Colombia’s location with port connectivity in the Pacific and the Caribbean Coasts makes buyers eager to explore the market. Bernal’s company seeks more Colombian suppliers because he says the country is poised to be a major player in the U.S. market. “It also has good labor costs and the climate for growing produce year-round, which is very attractive," says Bernal.
Colombia has increasingly diversified its agricultural offerings with now 108 fresh products permitted to enter the U.S. including bell peppers, Hass avocados, goldenberries, blueberries, tangerines, oranges, pineapples, Tahiti lemons and fresh herbs.
“One of our government objectives is for the regions to spearhead the internationalization of fresh produce, companies, associations and agglomerations. The producing regions must become familiar with their export aptitude and start venturing into the internationalization process,” said the Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, Germán Umaña Mendoza.
This shipment was possible “thanks to the efforts of the producer Colfrutta, who met all the market requirements and the work on sanitary and commercial issues. As a result, Sugar Baby mango will delight American palates,” said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the promotion agency part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism.
"Exporting has given us the ability to help families that normally would not have a job, all thanks to the Magdalena mango that we have made famous throughout the world,” said Antonio Acosta, Colfrutta's exports director.
"This milestone has a positive and significant impact for producers in the Cordobita area in the department of Magdalena. It represents a chance for new commercial opportunities in the U.S. for our producers in the rest of the country," said Luis Gilberto Murillo, Colombia's Ambassador to the United States.
For more information:
Catalina Sánchez
ProColombia
csanchez@procolombia.co
www.procolombia.co