Supplies of mangos are strong with volumes up from at least two regions currently.
Mangos from Mexico, which begin shipping the first week in January and go to the first week of October, are approximately six percent higher year over year right now. “The projection is 83 million boxes for Mexico, which continues to have a really strong season,” says Jessica Bohlman of the Orlando, FL-based National Mango Board (NMB).
Haiti
Bohlman adds that Haiti is also having a strong season thanks in part to good growing conditions. “We anticipate a record-breaking year. We’re closely monitoring on a weekly basis because volume is a lot higher than we anticipated projection-wise, but the projection right now is 3.3 million boxes. Currently that’s 30 percent higher year over year,” she says. The Haitian season began this year in the third week of March and will go to the second week in September. “Haiti usually has a strong season, but this year it’s above expectations,” says Bohlman, adding that June is National Mango month.
Shipping varieties
On varieties, out of Mexico, Kent and Tommy Atkins are shipping right now as are some Ataulfo and Haden. While out of Haiti, Francis continues to be available.
As for demand, it too is strong. “Summer is a great time for mangos and we’re able to leverage the summertime tropical recipes. We’re seeing folks try mangos in different ways,” says Bohlman. As an industry association, the NMB is encouraging consumers to try mangos in new ways via grilling them or as the base of a sauce or dip, something it’s also working with foodservice operators on.
Bohlman notes that as mango is also increasingly being used as a flavor option–think Pepsi Mango as part of the cola’s fruit-infused drink line that also includes Pepsi Lime and Pepsi Berry. “We hope that if consumers like that flavor, that they’ll move into trying the fresh fruit,” she says.
At the same time, to move those increased volumes of fruit, the NMB is also working with influencers to create new mango recipes and will also relaunch its website this year to appeal to both consumers and business-to-business mango interests.
For more information:
Jessica Bohlman
National Mango Board
Tel: (407) 629-7318 x113
jbohlman@mango.org
www.mango.org