The Aiwen mango is fragrant and its red and yellow color resembles an apple. That is why this mango is also known as the apple mango.
The Aiwen mango harvest officially began in Fangshan township in Pingtung city, Taiwan, and slowly moves north towards Yuching township in Tainan. The production volume in Tainan, where the harvest began relatively late, seems to be the largest of all, but the overall product quality is better in Pingtung. That is mainly because the production areas in Pingtung are next to the seaside and the wind there is stronger, which has a positive impact on the fragrance of the fruit and adds to the elasticity of the fruit flesh.
Taiwan Aiwen mangoes
Fangshan in Pingtung officially begins the harvest every year in late April and continues until early July. The peak period falls in May and June. The harvest season is already almost over. Most of the Aiwen mangoes in the market are large mangoes, whereas small and medium mangoes dominate earlier in the season. "This year the Aiwen mangoes do not perform as well in the Chinese market as last year. The export volume is somewhat smaller than in previous years. The current price is around 60 yuan [9.28 USD] per 0.5 kg. That is about 25% less than the 80 yuan [12.38 USD] per 0.5 kg last year." This is according to Xiao Yu of Beijing Xinghuirong Trade and Commerce Co., Ltd.
Xiao Yu also explained that "Taiwan exports many varieties of mango to the Chinese market, including Aiwen, Xiaxue, Jinmi, and Keitt mangoes. Aiwen mangoes have been best-sellers in the last few years, but this year the sales figures are not ideal. That is mainly because the Covid-19 pandemic complicates distribution. In addition, many Taiwanese mango production areas enjoyed an abundant harvest.
"Under these circumstances many mango traders were forced to supply the local market, which can only absorb a limited volume. That is why the local price of Aiwen mangoes dropped to a historical low point. The local price is only 20 NTD [0.72 USD] per 0.5 kg. That is 35% lower than around the same time last year. Consequently the export price is unlikely to rise very high."
"In the Chinese market we usually supply 6-kg boxes of Aiwen mangoes. This year we also supplied smaller 3-kg boxes in exquisite packaging, which was well received by Chinese consumers. When asked about market trends later in the season, Xiao Yu replied without optimism that many traders refuse Aiwen mangoes from Pingtung because of a recent outbreak of the 'Delta' strain of Covid-19 in that region. This is another blow for the mango farmers in Fangshan as they see their mangoes become unmarketable.
For more information:
Xiao Yu
Beijing Xinghuirong Trade and Commerce Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 159 1072 5947
E-mail: [email protected]