Mango harvests in Queensland have started to ramp up, with more fruit set to be picked slightly earlier than originally expected.
In the Bowen and Burdekin region, recent rainfall combined with warm weather has sped up the development of the fruit, which will impact the picking and packing plans of growers across the region. Most of the region has commenced harvesting, with some orchards expecting stronger volumes for the next few weeks.
Further north, growers in the Mareeba and Dimbulah region are preparing to start harvest in mid-December, although a few have already started picking.
While overall volumes are looking promising in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, this region is expected to dispatch more than last season. Growers are expecting to start in late December or early January. Although a small amount will be spot picking in the next few weeks. But some growers will be down on last season in terms of individual volume.
A couple of growers in Katherine still have good volumes and are expected to continue for another few weeks. Though, a few storms have interrupted picking, this is not expected to impact volumes predicated to be harvested in the coming weeks.
Kununurra and Darwin have finished the main harvest for the year, with very light volumes expected for season end. Darwin has produced 2.1 million (7 kilogram) trays this season, with Kununurra producing 226,500.
Last week 543,591 trays were dispatched from producing regions.
Meanwhile, thousands of mango lovers are expected to descend on Sydney's Bondi Beach this weekend for the annual Mango Mess-tival. Held at the peak of the season, the Australian Mango Industry Association says it celebrates the start of summer and promotes the fruit in Australia's largest city. There will be several events including the famed mango eating competition, races and even the chance taste different mango varieties and recipes.
Events are set to get underway at 8am on Sunday and run until midday.
For more information:Australian Mango Industry Association
Phone: +61 7 3278 3755