The Peruvian mango campaign started in early October and European importers are already waiting for the arrival of the first containers to continue the supply of mango imports from Latin America.
"Last week, we received three containers from Colombia, and this week we are loading mangoes from Ecuador, but in a matter of weeks, we will also start to receive Peruvian mangoes, which play a key role in the European import campaign," says Antonio Méndez, from the Malaga-based company Alborán Produce Services.
"There is still some Brazilian Palmer mango available, but that's not our preference, because it has a completely different dynamic to the Peruvian Kent. While the Palmer has very high fiber content, the Kent is much smoother and this helps it do very well, especially in Central European markets, handling it even with air programs. That's why the Peruvian campaign is so important for us," he says.
"This year, due to very large volumes of blueberries in the Peruvian season, which have also arrived very early, air freight prices have become more expensive, so it seems that most of the Peruvian mango will be shipped by sea. The mango production is also expected to be much larger than last season's, and to arrive earlier. This has even led the U.S. to start the import season now, when it normally does so around mid-November."
"Given the higher volume that we expect to receive, here in Europe we should also facilitate the marketing of the Peruvian Kent. If the retail sector does not help stimulate the demand for mango with offers or promotions, this year could become difficult for the entire chain, especially since the season runs for almost half a year, from October to March/April."
"Peru alone is capable of supplying 70% of the avocados it imports to the European market"
Alborán is a company recently created by three partners: Álvaro, Borja and Antonio, who have plenty of experience and are specialized in the import of fruit from Latin America. They are already working to facilitate fruit imports into the European market and contributing to the commercial development of growers from different origins, who they advise and support both on a technical and commercial level, thereby creating a bridge of trust between exporters and importers in Europe, Asia and North America.
"Our activity focuses on tropical and exotic fruits," says Antonio. "Of course, mangoes and avocados are the most important fruits in our portfolio, but they are not the only ones, because other fruits can also complement this market very well, and they are increasingly in demand here in Europe due to migratory dynamics. We are talking, for example, of Persian limes from Mexico, passion fruit from Peru, cassava or plantains from Guatemala, or African pineapples. The aim is to supply the market with these tropical products all year round, as is already the case with mango and avocado."
"Regarding avocados, there is some domestic production, but the volumes are not large enough to meet the European demand, which is why it's essential to continue importing, especially from Peru. Spain has very high quality fruit with a very low carbon footprint and very good phytosanitary management, and this is allowing Spanish avocados to increasingly stand out in the high-end avocado market."
"Spain and, in fact, all avocado producing countries of the Mediterranean arc, including Morocco and Israel, produce very good quality fruit. But in terms of volumes, it is undeniable that Peru is a powerhouse. In fact, this country alone accounts for 70% of the avocados imported into the European market during the Southern Hemisphere season."
For more information:
Antonio Méndez
Alboran Produce Services
Malaga, Spain
Tel.: +34 622 933 328
[email protected]