For the U.S., the offshore mango season kicked off with imports from Brazil. The start was a little rough due to challenges around port strikes, inconsistencies in deliveries, and limited space on vessels to the West coast. In the meantime, Ecuador has started up, playing an important role in mango supply to the U.S. during the offshore season. To the benefit of U.S. importers and consumers, the country's harvest started early. "Both Tommy Atkins and Ataulfo mangos from Ecuador are being very well received," says Cindy Schwing with Splendid by Porvenir. The company has been bringing in fruit through the Port of Miami, FL. While supply out of Ecuador has been good, the country is expected to finish harvest early. "They are already struggling to keep up with the volume needed," says Daniel Ibarra, co-owner and president of Splendid. Until the first week of November, Ecuador had already shipped eight million boxes out of the projected 14 million boxes for the season. While an early finish may not be music to everyone's ears, a projected volume of 14 million boxes is much more positive than the five million boxes that were shipped last season due to El Niño.
Smaller mangos from Peru expected
Peru is also starting early and will be coming in strong with Kent mangos. The first Peruvian mangos will be arriving in the next week. "This will really help with the demand we are experiencing, supporting us in covering our commitments," Ibarra shares. Some volume is expected to be available in the lead up to Thanksgiving. While Peru normally brings in larger size fruit (6, 7, or 8 ct.), sizes are expected to be smaller this season. "We're hearing there will be more 10 - 12 ct. fruit available," comments Schwing. As a result, the expectation is for larger fruit to be more scarcely available, causing an increase in prices. According to the USDA, the average price per box for 6-8 ct. mangos amounted to $12 early November whereas 10 ct. and 12 ct. averaged $8 and $6 per box respectively.
Like Ecuador, Peru is also expecting a much better season in terms of volume. Last year, 6.1 million boxes were shipped, and the projections for this season are to bring more than 23 million boxes to the U.S. between now and early March 2025.
Daniel Ibarra and Cindy Schwing at IFPA's Global Show in Atlanta last month.
Holiday ads
With Peru starting strong, there should be enough fruit available to promote mangos during the holiday season. "Many retailers are planning on including mangos in upcoming ads, something we are very happy about," comments Schwing. "Bringing mangos in front of everyone keeps them top of mind – and let's not forget that the Mexican mango season is right around the corner. If the stars align, Peru should lead right into the start of Mexico in spring," she concluded.
For more information:
Cindy Schwing
Splendid by Porvenir, LLC
Tel: (+1) 956-793-6493
[email protected]
www.splendidbyporvenir.com