Prices for Mexican red mango varieties in North America are expected to increase “significantly” this summer on the back of a lighter crop in northern Mexico which will see less volume entering the market as of this month.
A series of inclement weather conditions in Nayarit and southern Sinaloa could cut Mexico’s northern crop by as much as 40 per cent this year, according to industry sources.
“Mexico will have a major (production) gap for red fruit during the second half of the season,” Jesús “Chuy” Loza of Freska Produce International told Fruitnet.com. “The Nayarit crop is already late and Sinaloa looks to have a very light fruit set this year. With Central America all but finished, I see prices going up significantly by June.”
The reason for the shortfall has been attributed to a bloom-skip in Nayarit and southern Sinaloa following unusual weather conditions.
“It was probably untimely rain or cold weather during flowering but it will be a light deal for the red varieties this summer,” explained Bill Vogel, president of Tavilla Sales-Los Angeles.
“Hurricane Norbert also hit late producing areas last year around Los Mochis and southern Sonora and I hear the trees are still recovering and may not produce that much fruit this season. On the other hand, Nayarit looks to have a decent crop of Ataulfos.”
The northern deal may be off by 40 per cent this year, according to Chris Ciruli of Ciruli Brothers, Nogales (AZ), unless red mango orchards experience a secondary bloom.
“Second and third blooms have kept us going longer this year in Chiapas for Ataulfos, for instance,” Mr Ciruli told Fruitnet.com. “So far, we’re not seeing (additional blooms) yet in the north, but it’s still early.”
