Following the rain at the start of this year, the mango harvest out of Mexico was slightly delayed compared to its historical start date. “However the mango inventory is currently plentiful and the market is well-supplied,” says Hector Soltero, Vice President of Sales Operations, Mission Produce. He notes that with the recent ramp-up of industry volumes in the U.S. on mangoes, promotional opportunities are anticipated through mid-May.
Left: Marco Villavisencio in the mango fields in Mexico; right Ataulfo mangoes
“Our sourcing team plans far ahead for customer programs, adjusting our procurement strategy to current market conditions,” says Soltero, adding that it supplies varieties throughout the year according to seasonality and navigates challenges in weather, perishability and more to provide consistent supplies. In addition to its ripe retail programs, Mission Produce also offers special 20-kilo packs for wholesale customers which are made up of eight club boxes.
Sourcing regions
In terms of varieties, right now, Tommy Atkins mangos from Mexico and Guatemala are available as well as Honey mangos from Mexico’s premium growing regions of Oaxaca and Michoacán. “Kent mangos from Mexico are expected to start arriving in the U.S. between late May and early June,” says Marco Villavisencio, Sourcing Manager for Mission Produce. He also notes that the quality is good and the size curve is even.
Right now, Tommy Atkins mangoes from Mexico and Guatemala are available as well as Honey mangoes from Mexico’s Oaxaca and Michoacán regions.
"More recently, there has been an increase in demand for mangoes, particularly in the ramp-up for the Cinco de Mayo holiday," says Soltero.
“Looking ahead, with the current strong supply, the industry expects promotable volumes until mid-May,” he adds.
For more information:
Jenna Aguilera
Mission Produce, Inc.
[email protected]
www.missionproduce.com