Mangoes harvested in La Axarquía, where more than 90% of this fruit is produced in Europe, are gaining ground in the domestic market and continue consolidating their position in continental destinations such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, and Portugal. The Mango de Málaga brand is ending its third season by improving its initial production forecasts, which have placed the total harvest volume at more than 15,000 tons, i.e. around 25% more than what was forecast at the end of summer. This year, the product had a significant impact on the domestic market and growth in the main European markets, where it is well appreciated.
The season was longer than expected, which allowed selling the product at important supermarket chains in Spain for a longer period of time, according to the governing body of the quality brand owned by the Spanish Tropical Fruit Association (AET).
"Given the initial situation, the complications derived from the drought, weather issues, and different variables that have affected flowering, among other aspects related to the crop, the season ended with reasonable figures. We're still not close to the 20,000 tons we produced a few years ago, but we'll produce more than 15,000 tons, which is around 25% better than the scenario we had forecast," stated Álvaro Palacio, AET's President.
In addition, prices have remained at reasonable levels for growers, as the average price of the Osteen variety stood at 1.5 euros/kilo, and the Keitt at 1.20 euros/kilo. "These prices have served to somewhat alleviate the decline in production compared to the high yields we had three or four years ago," stated Palacio. He also lamented that much of the fruit hasn't reached a correct stage of development, as more than 30% of the raw material spoiled.
The governing body highlighted the positive progression of the brand and, more importantly, that consumers and distributors identify with the aspects that make this fruit produced in this geographical area of Andalusia unique, such as its proximity, limited carbon footprint, sustainable production, and that an important part of the production is certified organic.
Malaga mangoes must compete with imported fruit, with the environmental impact these imports entail, that don't comply with EU production standards, or that implement ripening processes that interrupt the fruit's cycle abruptly. In contrast, the fruit harvested under the Mango de Málaga quality seal is especially valued because it has been harvested at its optimum ripening time.
For more information:
Asociación Española de Tropicales
Tel.: +34 952 965 824
Email: [email protected]
https://asociaciondetropicales.net