Mango monthly review: March 2019

Still within the counter-season period, March was a rather favourable month for the mango market. The fall in incoming shipments from Peru largely contributed to good rates, with a distinct increase in the middle of the month. The convergence of several factors explains this positive development. The change of harvest region brought a period of smaller shiploads. The knock-on effects of logistical disruptions in Peru, in late February/early March, and the difficult sea conditions on the approach to the European coasts, led firstly to a supply trough, and secondly to deferred volumes. The fall in availability quickly had a knock-on effect on price levels charged. At the end of the month, the upturn in shipments caused price ranges to widen, especially since some Peruvian batches exhibited quality problems (fungal development). Meanwhile, Brazil increased its shipments, though without offsetting the shortfall generated by Peru. They were mainly aimed at Northern Europe. This supply comprised mainly Tommy Atkins, but also Keitt and Palmer. Rates were on the same footing as for Peruvian fruit, or slightly lower (1 to 2 euros per box). 

The air-freight mango market proved more changeable and more difficult. After a recovery phase in late February/early March, sales conditions deteriorated again in the second and third weeks of the month. The increase in incoming shipments, receipt of batches of advanced maturity, and batches following a down-bidding process, contributed to the disarray of the air-freight market. The prospect at the end of the month of a truncated Peruvian campaign and a late start to the West African origin campaigns gave sales and prices charged a real boost. The very end of the month saw the appearance of the first Amélie batches from Burkina Faso, with a green coloration and a little short of maturity.

mango - europe - estimated incoming shipments

mango - france - import price