Mango monthly review: May 2019

The switch from Peruvian mangos to those from West African origins proceeded rapidly, as April turned into May. In the first half of May, just a few Peruvian batches were still selling as best they could, according to their quality. The West African supply, more particularly from Côte d’Ivoire, progressed rapidly, and dominated the European Kent supply. Simultaneously, Brazil continued its shipments with considerable quantities of Tommy Atkins and Palmer. The overall supply was also enriched by batches from various Central American origins (Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica). Given the predominance of the Ivorian supply selling at high prices, Brazilian fruit of less popular varieties obtained lower rates. In the second half of the month, when the Côte d’Ivoire export peak had already past, the combined shipments from multiple origins resulted in considerably swollen market conditions. Rates entered a gradual downward spiral. This change of trend was especially marked since in parallel, the seasonal fruits supply (berries and stone fruits) was on the increase, harnessing the novelty effect at the tail end of the counter-season period. This produce, often available at attractive prices, captured a large share of demand, which as a result dwindled for tropical fruits. Shipments from Côte d’Ivoire were suspended in late May because the phytosanitary tolerance was breached (fruit fly).

The air-freight mango market in May remained more stable. The end of Peruvian shipments aided a smooth transition to the West African fruit. Kent from Côte d’Ivoire rapidly dominated the supply to Europe. Sale prices maintained a satisfactory level for most of the month. They dropped at the end of the month due to less reliable quality and ebbing demand. Malian mangos sold at lower price levels, as did, Burkinian fruit, whose quality proved more fragile right from the start of the export campaign. The other varieties provided by these origins had a lot more trouble selling, as demand for them was lower. The Mexican campaign started in the middle of the month, with small yet rapidly rising quantities. This merchandise earned high prices.

mango - europe - estimated incoming shipments

mango - france - import price