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Mango exports are crucial to Guatemala’s economy. In 2023, Guatemala exported 4.38 million 4-kilogram (kg) boxes of mangoes, marking a 16% year-on-year (YoY) increase, with the United States (US) as the primary export market. To boost the industry's international competitiveness, the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT) Mango Committee, in partnership with the National Mango Board (NMB), organized the 2024 Mango Cultivation Seminar in Retalhuleu. The seminar focused on improving flowering management, fruit size, and cold chain efficiency to address challenges such as international competition, high logistics costs, and compliance with strict phytosanitary standards. The industry supports over a thousand permanent jobs and many seasonal positions during harvest, benefiting rural economies. With varieties like Tommy Atkins, Kent, Ataulfo, and Keitt, Guatemalan mangoes continue strengthening their presence in the US market through advanced agricultural practices and strategic global marketing.
Mango production in Karnataka, one of India’s largest producing states with over 170 thousand hectares (ha) under cultivation, faces disruptions due to delayed flowering caused by cyclone effects. The primary districts, such as Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Dharwad, and Ramanagara, typically yield 1 to 1.2 million metric tons (mmt) annually. These areas are currently experiencing irregular flowering and harvesting schedules. Normally, staggered harvesting from April to May ensures stable prices, but this year’s overlapping harvest could flood the market in May, which could drive prices down. The delays extend to other mango-growing regions like Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu and Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, further affecting the market. Additionally, despite being a significant mango-growing area, Kolar lacks local pickle or pulp industries, forcing mangoes to be transported to other regions for processing.
The mango industry in Peru, particularly in the Piura region, faces severe challenges due to an ongoing water crisis. Favorable weather conditions supported flowering and fruit sets. However, water shortages reduced fruit sizes, accelerated ripening, and caused prices to fall below production costs. As a result, many producers, mainly small-scale farmers, are facing their third consecutive year of losses. Piura's production is estimated to have dropped by 40%, with some crops rendered unsuitable for export due to advanced maturity. Depleted reservoirs, unscheduled irrigation, and falling groundwater levels threaten young and mature trees. Although the government has introduced Catastrophic Insurance—designed to provide financial relief in the event of natural disasters and significant production losses—many growers find the compensation insufficient. This intensifies their economic struggles and highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address these challenges.
Mercadona, Spain’s leading supermarket chain, has ended its 2024 national mango campaign with a 65% YoY purchase increase, acquiring 1.65 million kg of mangos from Malaga. Mainly sourced from the Axarquía region, mangoes were available in stores from September to November. Mercadona works closely with local suppliers, such as SAT Trops and Provelpack, to strengthen its sustainable agri-food chain and support national producers. While Malaga supplies most regions of Spain, locally grown mangos are sold in the Canary Islands, with Brazilian imports ensuring year-round availability. In 2023, Mercadona’s total purchases from Malaga suppliers reached USD 1.2 billion (EUR 1.166 billion), which underlines its commitment to regional agriculture.
Peru's mango prices dropped by 3.77% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.51/kg in W50, a 20.31% month-on-month (MoM) decrease and a 57.85% YoY dip. The price decline is due to oversupply in key export markets such as the US, Europe, and Asia, along with the smaller fruit sizes caused by a severe water crisis in the Piura region, making much of the produce unsuitable for export. Accelerated fruit maturity has added to market pressure, with exporters facing difficulties competing in international markets due to increased shipments from other countries like Brazil. Furthermore, domestic demand has been unable to offset the decline in export value, leading to further price reductions.
In Brazil, mango prices increased slightly by 1.72% WoW to USD 0.59/kg in W50, with a 7.27% MoM increase due to strong local and global demand, supported by efficient air freight logistics and steady year-round production. However, there is a 38.54% YoY drop due to heightened competition from other major mango-exporting countries like Peru, which has led to price pressures in key export markets such as Europe. The oversupply of lower-cost mango varieties, including Palmer and Tommy Atkins, has also contributed to the significant YoY price decline.
Peruvian mango exporters should diversify their export destinations by identifying emerging markets with growing demand, such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia, through targeted trade missions and market research. To enhance post-harvest practices, exporters should invest in cold chain technology, improve sorting and grading processes, and implement advanced packaging solutions to maintain fruit quality during transit. Boosting local mango promotions can involve partnering with supermarkets and food service providers to launch marketing campaigns emphasizing the versatility of mangoes in recipes and seasonal offers. These integrated strategies will help stabilize prices and strengthen the industry amidst current challenges.
Mango farmers in Karnataka should coordinate with traders and processing industries to stagger the harvest and manage supply effectively, mitigating the risk of market flooding in May. Farmers in districts like Kolar and Dharwad can collaborate with processing units in other regions to streamline transportation and processing while exploring partnerships to establish local pickle or pulp production facilities. This approach will stabilize prices and provide alternate revenue streams to offset potential losses from delayed flowering and overlapping harvests.
Producers and retailers in the mango industry should strengthen collaborations with local suppliers to secure high-quality mangoes and build resilient supply chains. By improving relationships with regional farmers, especially in key growing areas like Malaga and the Canary Islands, stakeholders can enhance the availability and quality of domestic mangoes, ensuring better market competitiveness. Additionally, expanding local and international market reach will help meet consumer demand year-round. This strategy will support sustainable practices, strengthen regional agriculture, and ensure continuous supply through diverse sourcing channels.
Sources: Tridge, Agexporthoy, Agraria, Agroperu, Freshplaza, Laopiniondemalaga, Mxfruit
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