Mango volume is growing from Mexico. “We’re just starting the Mexican season though there’s been product coming in for the last month,” says Daniel Ibarra of Splendid by Porvenir. “It’s starting slow on Ataulfos but it’s great on Rounds.”
He adds that the Mexican season is getting a bit of a later start and that could contribute to the different volumes being seen currently compared to last year at this time. Chiapas and Oaxaca are well underway with Ataulfo production though some rain may have contributed to that slower start.
Mangoes from Peru, which normally would have been wrapped up by now, are still coming in and will continue to for a few weeks. “There’s always the potential of a gap. Peru had a considerable increase this year of its entire crop over last year--we had an excellent season with outstanding quality from Peru,” says Cindy Schwing also of Splendid by Porvenir.
Back in Mexico, the difference this season is sizing. “The biggest change this season we’re seeing is that there’s not as much volume in the smaller sizes. It’s going to be heavier on the larger sizes,” says Ibarra, noting that retailers do often prefer offering bagged mangoes. “Some varieties in some regions that used to have the small sizes have converted to growing larger sized mangoes now.”
Liborio Rodríguez from Splendid Farms Mexico.
Varietal notes
As far as varieties, along with Ataulfos, Tommy Atkins is shipping from Mexico right now and this variety will be available until May. Kents will arrive in mid-April. In all, Splendid’s peak season will be from April to September. “Tommys tend to be more fibrous than other varieties and some retailers prefer Kents over Tommys after they’re done with Peruvian fruit - so they either wait or run with Tommys until Kents are available,” says Schwing. “It all depends on the retailer. Most will have both types available, to always have a Round and an Ataulfo displayed”
As for demand, it’s growing as well as outdoor temperatures warm up. “It’s hard for people to wrap their heads around eating mangoes when it’s cold outside,” says Schwing. Mangoes are also finding a home now in the tropical category of fruit rather than exotics which means it’s often found next to popular items such as pineapples and avocados.
“However mangoes will also compete with other tropical fruits so we’ll have to ensure that the quality is there. Right now demand is almost stronger on Ataulfos than Rounds,” adds Ibarra.
That means while pricing has held, with greater volume coming on, pricing is starting to slip. That said, prices are also up approximately 10 percent over last year though that is helping offset increased production costs on logistics and more.
Overall the projection for the season is that it will be a sizeable season on volume. While production is currently coming from Chiapas, Oaxaca and Michoacán, in May Nayarit will also begin its harvest and then Sinaloa will start in July with much-anticipated Keitts.
For more information:
Cindy Schwing
Splendid by Porvenir
Tel: +1 956-793-6493
cindy@splendidbyporvenir.com
http://www.splendidbyporvenir.com/