The supply of mangoes in Mexico is transitioning from southern Mexico to Central Mexico. "There is good supply now but southern Mexico will be done by Monday," says Gary Clevenger of Freska Produce, adding that production from there will move to Nayarit and Sinaloa.
The transition to Central Mexico is happening a bit later this season. This follows a later start to the season due to weather issues in southern Mexico that started already back in January. "That caused a later start to the Tommy Atkins and Ataulfo supply," says Clevenger. "I think the supply has lasted a bit longer than last year due to that later start."
That said, Nayarit isn't fully ready with a lot of volume. "So we might get a little gap in supply in the next couple of weeks," he says.
As for varieties, along with Tommy Atkins and Atualfo, there is some Kent volume moving as well and a bit of Haden production out of Michoacan. Along with Mexico, Guatemala has also been shipping fruit, though it is finishing up its season.
Demand to strengthen this week
As for demand for mango, it's expected to be good this week leading into Memorial Day weekend–a holiday that traditionally sees a bit of lift in produce sales.
Meanwhile, pricing has been higher since January. "It has come off over the last couple of weeks just due to a little bit of higher volume. There's still a little bit of a shortage of large fruit–6s and 7s–and there are plenty of 9s, 10s and 12s," Clevenger says. The situation is similar on yellow fruit with not many 10s and 12s and instead more supply on 16s down to 20s.
Looking ahead, Clevenger says the industry is looking for normal supplies to come out of Mexico in the new region. "This is also the time of the year when rain begins in Mexico and the hurricane season starts next month," he says. "So we're keeping an eye out for weather. Too much rain can be a problem."
For more information:
Gary Clevenger
Freska Produce
Tel: +1 (805) 650-1040
[email protected]
www.freskaproduce.com