The mango season in the Ivory Coast will start on April 12, 2024 with the Kent variety. "There were no particular weather problems in Africa this year, unlike what happened in Peru, so we expect the season to be positive until May. We will then continue with the produce from Senegal until June," reports Peguy Kamte, owner of Kep Company.
The company specializes in the sale of exotic fruits and vegetables of African origin (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya, South Africa, to name a few). "I negotiate between clients and producers, both in person and online, and provide assistance during and after a sale."
Peguy Kamte during the latest edition of Macfrut
"Kent mangoes boast a red-yellow-green color when ripe. Consumers like them a lot and they can be stored for a long time without defects, which is a good thing for importers. The produce is shipped either by sea in 4 kg crates or by air in 6 kg crates."
The volumes handled depend on demand. "We are generally asked between one and four containers a week. We are currently trying to make deals before the start of the campaign, so we will have an idea of the volumes for the season only around April 10th. African mangoes are mainly requested by the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, the UK, Germany and Italy."
"I will be in the Ivory Coast between April 10th-15th to work with producers. I will then go back to meet the clients directly at their facilities and discuss results and future expectations."
Based on his experience, Kamte reveals that Italian demand is not strong enough compared with other countries, because transit times are longer. "It takes 12 days between Abidjan, on the southern Atlantic coast of the Ivory Coast, and Antwerp in Belgium, and it takes 14 to reach Rotterdam in the Netherlands. However, it takes 20-21 days to reach Livorno or Genoa. As a consequence, many only focus on mangoes transported by air, which arrive on the same day they are harvested."
Kep Company ships African productions both by sea and by air. "Logistic costs increase every year also due to inflation. In addition, we are still unable to make forecasts on prices due to the ongoing wars."
In order to guarantee the high-quality of exotic produce and their traceability, the company holds the GlobalGAP, Grasp, Rainforest and SMETA certifications.
Photos provided by Peguy Kamte
For further information:
Peguy Kamte - owner
Kep Company
+39 3245444517 / +225 0171365153
[email protected]
kepcompany.com
LinkedIn: peguykamte