The first week of June saw the start of this year's mango season in Senegal. "The campaign is therefore getting underway a little earlier than expected this year. In general, we are starting the season with good prospects in terms of quantities and qualities and, as things stand today, we expect the campaign to last a little longer than usual," explains Papa Alioune Dieng from International Agro-Business. The Hamburg-based fruit agency is responsible for import processing and marketing on the north-west European market.
Air-freighted mangoes from Senegal. The peak season extends into August.
The first shipments have already taken place and the early produce is now being traded in Germany and France, continues Dieng. "Prices are between 4.5 and 5 EUR/ 4kg carton for shipments, while air cargo is offered at pack prices around 18 EUR/ 6kg carton. All calibres, from boxes of 6 to 14, are available. Due to the ongoing global inflation and corresponding increase in labour, material and logistics costs, prices are higher than in the previous year."
Mangoes are by far Senegal's most important agricultural product in terms of exports. Other exports include Charentais melons, bush beans and Cashes nuts.
In addition to the market-standard Kent mango variety, the West African country also cultivates and exports Keith mangoes. According to Dieng, the main inhibiting factor is air freight. "The big problem we are still struggling with is that there are no direct flights between Dakar and Germany or the Netherlands. In terms of materials and logistics, Latin America continues to be a very strong competitor for Senegalese fruit exporters."
Pictures: International Agro-Business
For more information:
Papa Alioune Dieng
International Agro-Business
Lohkampstr. 37b
22523 Hamburg
+49 176 27 885 639
[email protected]