The US Department of Agriculture is to hold a referendum among importers and distributors to determine whether they favour the continuance of the National Mango Board (NMB). First handlers and importers who handled 500,000 lbs of mangoes or more during 2014 will be eligible to vote in the referendum, which will be held on 16-17 April.
Since its creation in 2005, the NMB claims to have made a significant and positive impact on the industry. Its mission is to increase consumption of fresh mangoes in the US through innovative research and promotional activities, while fostering a thriving industry.
Research conducted by the University of Florida to analyse the impact of NMB programmes on mango purchases reveals that between March 2008 to June 2014, the mango industry invested approximately US$28m on NMB programmes and received an increase of US$308m in FOB sales directly attributed to NMB efforts. This means that for every dollar the NMB has spent in executing programmes and campaigns, the industry saw a return of US$11.16.
“We are very pleased with the results the NMB has achieved in its first ten years and look forward to the continued success and growth of the mango industry,” stated Manuel Michel, executive director of the NMB. “We are very fortunate to work with so many dedicated mango industry members who contribute to the progress of the industry as a whole.”
