Mexico's mango season started back in January. Presently, there are four mango producing areas in the country: Michoacán, Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa. Michoacán is almost done shipping, and shippers/packers are currently transitioning to the other areas. This year, the supply situation out of Mexico has been different from years past as shipped volume was delayed due to a warm winter in Mexico. To date, a total of approximately 40 million cases have crossed while at the same time last year, the industry had shipped close to 41 million.
Movement is gaining
"I think there are a few reasons for the delayed total volume from Mexico this year," says Cindy Schwing with Splendid by Porvenir. "Mexico's season started about 10 days later than usual and coupled with that, many agricultural regions in the country have faced an extreme drought situation." The lack of water has prevented fruit from sizing up, causing volume to peak on smaller sizes, which has had an effect on the overall yield. "However, movement is gaining," Schwing said. Retailers are featuring mangos in ads as they are becoming more promotable. "We're also beginning the N. Sinaloa harvest next week, which largely contributes to making Sinaloa the most voluminous mango-producing state in Mexico. Many retailers do not realize the amount of fruit coming out of the N. Sinaloa area at the end of the Mexican mango deal. It's an ideal way to extend the Mexican mango season into September and lessen the movement to offshore so early."
Prices have been holding, but the industry is bracing itself. "In general, as soon as the industry hits the 4-million case mark per week, prices tend to start dropping," Schwing commented. "We're at 3.5 million now; last year we had hit 4 million by now." This year, the mango market started out higher due to reduced supply, but at this point, it is uncertain how soon prices will be affected as supply builds and markets begin to get saturated in the coming weeks.
Jaguar mangos, Splendid's brand for the Ataulfo variety.
4th of July holiday
Due to dry weather conditions, size 10s have been peaking. Although this is a smaller size, it works for retailers as it is a perfect size for promotions. Schwing is hopeful mangos will be a part of many promotions this summer, driving volume. "This time of year, we are up against stone fruit, cherries, watermelons, grapes and berries," she said. Retailers are able to choose from a variety of summer items, but mangos hope to make the list for 4th of July promotions. "Ads always help our movement," added Schwing.
Kent mango variety.
N. Sinaloa
Splendid by Porvenir will begin shipping from its own facilities in Los Mochis, N. Sinaloa, the last week of June. As this region is a fly-free zone, mangos are not hot water treated which has advantages for fruit quality and extending shelf life. "They ripen sweeter," added Schwing. One of the company's signature brands, Jaguar mangos (Splendid's brand for Ataulfo variety), will lead off with both conventional and organic. This is the 2nd year for Splendid to be able to offer organic in all three varieties. By mid-late July, Splendid Kents will be available from this region. Finally, by the 3rd week of Aug., the biggest mango of the season, the company's Keitt Kongs, will hit the market. Schwing encourages any retailers interested in working with them to please make contact early so details can be discussed. To support Splendid's organic program, Schwing will be attending the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) in Monterey next month.
Keitt Kong mangos.
For more information:
Cindy Schwing
Splendid by Porvenir, LLC
Tel: (+1) 956-793-6493
[email protected]
www.splendidbyporvenir.com
www.splendidbyporvenir.com/savethejaguar/