Mexico is now entering the peak of its mango season as more regions start to open up. Supplies vary depending on variety with early season Tommy Atkins and Ataulfo in good supply, while varieties such as Kent an Haden are only just starting up and are still limited.
"Our southern Mexico regions are in full swing, including Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero and Michoacán," shared Greg Golden of Amazon Produce Network. "We are now starting to get more volume from Jalisco and Nayarit as we enter the peak mango season in Mexico and expect to be in the 3- 4 million box per week range now for the next three months As of this week, Tommy Atkins comprise the majority of volume, with about 64 percent of the crop. Ataulfo are next with 28 percent, with the balance made up of Haden and Kent, with the latter set to increase as the weeks progress."
Market pretty normal
The market is also varying depending on the variety and size. Tommy Atkins and Ataulfo are in more plentiful supply and there are subsequently some good prices to be had. Haden and Kent on the other hand, are still in limited supply with prices higher on those. Sizing is also affecting the market, with a limited amount of larger sizes currently available.
"Overall, the market is pretty normal for this time of year," Golden observed. "Prices have fallen significantly across the board and there are very sharp promotional prices available on 10s/12s/14s in round mangos and reasonable prices on Ataulfo as well. It is a little more challenging on sizing. There are not enough size 9 and larger of Tommy Atkins. Most of the larger fruit originates in Oaxaca and this region has been affected by rain. Although overall supplies of larger fruit are improving, we will continue to see a strong market for large sizes for a while."
Larger format boxes provide good opportunities
At the recent Viva Fresh Expo in San Antonio, Amazon Produce Network showcased its various packaging option to visitors. The company tends to prefer larger format boxes and Golden believes these provide better opportunities for retailers. "The larger boxes enable larger displays as well as reduced labor at the retail level," he said. "We also feature loose bulk packs, clamshells and boxes for club stores."
Haitian mangos
The company has also started importing Haitian mangoes. Golden says these have a distinct taste and Amazon Produce Network is looking to introduce them to the wider market. "We started importing the Madame Francine variety out of Haiti," he shared. "These have been popular in the ethnic markets up and down the East Coast but we want to get them into mainstream supermarkets. We are carrying these in New Jersey and are looking for retailers to open the code to carry this amazing tasting mango with its own PLU code. These mangos are very sweet but also have a vibrant - almost spicy - tropical flavor profile."
For more information:
Greg Golden
Amazon Produce Network
Ph: +1 (856) 442-0410
[email protected]
www.amazonprod.com