Mangoes continue to arrive steadily, though they are short on certain sizes. "The supply at this time last year was more plentiful, but it's coming along," says Daniel Ibarra, President of Splendid by Porvenir. "The timing is in line but the supply is just not as abundant. There was no overlap with Peru this season which was noticeable in the marketplace."
Mangoes are shipping from Mexico, mainly Michoacan, and will continue to do so from Mexico until sometime in September. The growing conditions have been good though there's not as much moisture from timely rains which is making the fruit undersized and leaving smaller fruit to dominate.
Meanwhile, Oaxaca, one of the earliest Mexican regions producing fruit, is likely in its second or third bloom by now and likely doesn't have much available fruit. Guatemala also entered the market this week. "It's not a huge volume but it is coming into Florida and being brought in at a time when the fruit is more scarce than normal out of Mexico," says Ibarra.
On varieties, Hadens, Tommys, and Ataulfos are available now and Kent will also start soon. "We are bringing back our Jaguar yellow mango and Keitt Kong keitt mango," says Ibarra. Earlier this year, Splendid By Porvenir kicked off the second phase of the "Save the Jaguar" social responsibility campaign focused on jaguar conservation in North America. A donation from each Jaguar branded box is made to help save the animals in the Sinaloa region facing extinction. Funds go towards population counts, registrations, and even collars to track the animals' whereabouts.
These mango varieties, including the Jaguar yellow mango, are also turning up in new formations which are also factoring into growing consumption. "Mango cheeks that are cryovac packed are a fairly new product in the industry and there are many salsas, picos, and drinks infused with mango flavor on the market," he says.
Cinco ahead for mangoes
As for demand, it's very strong leading up to Cinco de Mayo next month and growers and shippers are hoping that strength will hold throughout the season as the warmer summer months begin. "The interest by retailers in planning big mango promotions is very exciting for the mango industry, but Cinco mango ads may be limited this year due to the costs involved. This will all change in a couple of weeks but at the moment, promotable sizes are in short supply," says Ibarra.
Cinco aside, consumption of mangoes continues to climb generally. "They've become an extremely popular tropical fruit which is weaving its way into mainstream America. Social media has contributed positively towards this movement as well," says Ibarra.
All of this is keeping mango pricing steady though prices are strengthening. Last year at this time, prices were beginning to drop as Cinco drew near. "The biggest challenges are always balancing supply with demand and price, satisfying growers, retailers, and consumers," says Ibarra.
Looking ahead, importers expect to supply retailers with fruit for Cinco–and then watch what the market does afterward and sell accordingly. "Some think the flood of mangoes will come after Cinco this year–in two weeks, the volume will be in our favor," adds Ibarra. "The true read on this season would be that it's lining up to be a strong season for those involved. We hope new doors can be opened with every season and that profits are there to be made. No season is exactly like another."
For more information:
Cindy Schwing
Splendid by Porvenir
Tel: +1 956-793-6493 (cell)
cindy@splendidbyporvenir.com
http://www.splendidbyporvenir.com