The Dominican Republic's mango production has been increasing over the years, thanks to the increase in areas sown and the application of new technologies. This increase has favored exports and the quality of the exported fruit.
Most of these mangoes are destined for the domestic market, as the population of this country consumes a large amount of fruit, and the mango is one of their favorites. Thanks to this preference, the local price is quite attractive for producers, who produce the mango between March and September.
Despite this, the country exports a large volume of mangoes. According to Rafael Leger, the president of the Dominican mango cluster (PROMANGO): "In general, exports continue to grow as we increase our planted areas, which have grown considerably, going from 1,000 hectares in 2003 to more than 7,000 in 2018. Furthermore, this growth hasn't stopped, as we continue to establish new projects."
Mango Keitt
Regarding the increase in exports, Leger said, "we must bear in mind that the quality of the fruit has improved a lot with the application of technological packages in the plantations, which has been possible due to the good coordination of the public and private sectors. In addition, the zoning has had a crucial importance as the country has excellent regions that have the right climatological conditions and soil to produce world quality mango."
The most harvested varieties of mango in the Dominican Republic are the Keitt, an introduced variety, and the Mingolo and Banilejo varieties, which originated in the country. In recent years, the Mingolo variety has been making its way into international markets thanks to its color and incomparable organoleptic characteristics, which make it much appreciated by consumers. "This variety has been strongly penetrating the different markets, in Europe and in the United States, where we sell our fruits," said Leger.
Mango Keitt
Next season there will be an increase in the amount of fruits available, thanks to the good distribution of rainfall and new projects that will go into production. In addition, the harvest is expected to start earlier, prolonging the season.
Expomango, a fair to showcase the mango to the world
This fair represents a possibility of transforming an industry that is the engine of the Dominican Republic's economy and the livelihood of thousands of families. Its celebration has allowed showcasing the advances in technology, production, and commercialization in the mango sector.
Expomango
Expomango promotes and encourages the production, processing, marketing and consumption of Dominican mango locally and internationally. It is also a business forum aimed at promoting exchange between the different sectors involved, such as producers, national and international exporters and marketers, organisms of the agricultural sector linked to this fruit, technicians, professionals of the sector, and the general public, who look forward to the celebration of this event.
Mingo Variety & Agroalimentaria stand
The fair, which has an international character, will have a central exhibition, where all the native and introduced varieties produced in the country will be showcased, stands of all the organizations and companies that participate in the fair, and a technical conference where the latest technologies applied to mango production and industry will be presented, and national and international experts will talk about the latest advances in mango production and handling.
There will also be visits to the farms, where the public will be able to learn about the entire production process of mango cultivation, mango-based dishes, tastings, the sale of fresh mangoes and plants, artistic and cultural presentations and contests.
For more information:
Dominican Mango Cluster - PROMANGO
Dominican Republic
T: (809) 508 0851 / C: (829) 470-3481
E: [email protected]
www.promangord.org.do
www.expomango.org.do