Mexico’s mango harvest will start around two weeks late this season depending on the producing region within the country.
The delay is mainly attributable to issues with the weather, according to exporters, who anticipate the season to begin at the end of the month.
“It’s been too hot at times and we didn’t have the cold temperatures at night – it’s the same everywhere in Mexico,” Andrés Palacios, CEO of producer-exporter Elite Produce, told Americafruit, Asiafruit and Eurofruit.
“We’re waiting until the end of February. The best scenario would be if we have no rainfall.”
Despite the weather setback, suppliers are anticipating a higher volume of mangoes from Mexico this year given that blooming and production appears to be good.
“Mexico usually exports between 2m and 3m cartons per week to the US in an average season,” pointed out Palacios. “This year it will be more like 3m cartons per week.”
Mexico’s mango exports will get underway in April and May with Ataulfo, Haden and Tommy Atkins varieties.
The peak in volume will come in June and July with Kents and Keitts.
