It's an interesting time of year for mango imports into the US, as the market attempts to top up the lighter supplies in the transition between the Peru and Mexico seasons. As a result, some importers bring in mangoes from various other countries. Panorama Produce Sales, based in Mamaroneck New York, has started to receive shipments of mangoes from Costa Rica, which they say helps to bridge the gap before their Mexico deal commences next month.
"We are receiving lighter shipments from our Peruvian deal now out of New Jersey and have started to receive a few shipments from Costa Rica in Miami," announced Rick Nagelberg of Panorama Produce Sales. "Our Costa Rica supply will last through April and consist mainly of Tommy Atkins."
The company will also start importing mangoes from Guatemala next month. "During the second week of March, we will also start receiving Tommy Atkins from Guatemala," Nagelberg said. "The Guatemala season lasts until the end of May. Our Mexican program will begin in March, with multiple varieties including Tommy Atkins, Ataulfo, and Kent, and will carry us through until the end of August."
Excellent South American season
As the Peruvian deal comes to an end, importers noted that volume was lighter overall. The market, however was and still is very good, with strong demand driving prices higher. With the current transition, prices have remained strong as lighter volumes highlight the start of the Mexico import season.
"Mango volume appears to have been lighter at the end of the Peru deal," Nagelberg observed. "It's unclear why volume dropped off quite so quickly but other importers have noticed this as well. As a result, the market is very strong and we expect it to stay that way through the end of February and well into March. Although volume was lighter, the quality out of Peru was outstanding this year, with some very nice eating fruit. Demand has been strong and we have been marketing fruit out almost as quick as it comes in."
He added that Panorama Produce will be adding volume from Brazil from late summer, early fall. "We will likely finish our Mexican deal by the end of August or early September before beginning our Brazil deal. Our main distribution points are New Jersey, Miami, as well as the Los Angeles area by Aaron Johnson in our West Coast office."
For more information:
Rick Nagelberg
Panorama Produce Sales
Ph: +1 (914) 381-6220
panoramaproduce@aol.com
www.panoramaproduce.com