1. Weekly News

Guatemala

Guatemala's Mango Industry Focuses on Competitiveness and Sustainability at 2024 Seminar

Organized by the Guatemala Exporters Association (AGEXPORT) Mango Committee and the National Mango Board (NMB), the 2024 Mango Cultivation Seminar brought together key stakeholders from Guatemala's mango industry to strengthen its global competitiveness. Key discussions focused on enhancing fruit size, optimizing cold chain practices, managing flowering and fruit sets, and reducing logistics costs. They also emphasized phytosanitary standards compliance and product quality certifications. The United States (US) remains Guatemala's primary market, with over 3.5 million boxes exported in 2024, which provides substantial rural employment. Experts stressed the need for innovative marketing and sustainable practices to remain competitive. At the same time, workshops and field visits offered practical insights for improving production and export quality, which helped to solidify Guatemala's role as a major player in the international mango market.

India

Delayed Malawi Mango Shipment Arrives in India Amid Crop Challenges

India’s imported Malawi mangoes from South Africa faced shipment delays due to extended rainfall, which disrupted flowering and harvesting schedules. As a result, the mangoes arrived late in India's Mumbai APMC market. Malawi mango prices stood at around USD 18 per box, and the first shipment of 945 boxes was distributed across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Rajkot. Derived from Alphonso grafts introduced from Ratnagiri 14 years ago, these mangoes have been part of India's imports since 2018. Despite a smaller crop this season, weekly shipments are projected to rise to 7 thousand boxes. The mangoes are treated with hot water to preserve their Alphonso-like flavor, making them especially popular as luxury gifts during India's wedding season. Additionally, 275 boxes of Tommy Atkins mangoes from South Africa are expected to be available until late Dec-24.

Peru

Peru's Mango Industry Faces Irrigation and Market Challenges

Mango farmers in Peru's Piura region face significant challenges, including lower production and smaller fruit sizes caused by irrigation shortages. Adding to their difficulties, an increase in Brazilian mango exports to Europe lowered field prices, making it harder for Peruvian farmers to stay competitive. While the Kent variety continues to dominate Peru's exports due to its global popularity, experts suggest expanding export markets, promoting domestic sales of less common varieties like Edward and Ataulfo, and developing new mango types through research. The new Chancay Port also offers opportunities to reach Asian markets more easily. Industry leaders recommend adopting collaborative strategies similar to those the US NMB used to strengthen Peru's position in the global mango market.

Tanzania

Mango Prices Dropped in Tanzania Amid Surging Supply

In Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Region, a high supply of mangoes from Tanga significantly lowered prices, benefiting both consumers and vendors. At the Buguruni Market, mango prices stood between USD 0.04 and USD 0.13 each, with bundles of smaller mangoes selling for USD 0.22 for ten pieces. Vendors report strong sales, as many customers purchase bulk for juice-making, taking advantage of the lower prices. This seasonal surplus contrasts with off-season prices of USD 0.65 to USD 0.87 per mango, offering significant savings. The affordability enabled juice makers to reduce costs while providing healthier, homemade drinks, making Buguruni a popular destination for cost-effective mangoes and other fruits like watermelons and avocados.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Mango Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Mango Pricing Important Exporters (W49 2023 to W49 2024)

Peru

Peru's mango prices have continued to decrease, with a week-on-week (WoW) drop of 8.62% in W49, reaching USD 0.53 per kilogram (kg). There is also a 24.29% month-on-month (MoM) decline and a 57.26% year-on-year (YoY) drop. Despite challenges such as lower production and smaller fruit sizes caused by irrigation shortages in the Piura region, prices have remained under pressure due to oversupply in key export markets and weak demand. The increase in Brazilian mango exports to Europe has intensified competition, making it difficult for Peruvian farmers to maintain price levels. Additionally, the Kent variety continues to dominate exports, while less common varieties like Edward and Ataulfo face limited demand. Logistical issues and an overall oversupply in export markets have exacerbated the price decline.

Brazil

In Brazil, mango prices increased by 7.41% WoW, with no MoM change. This is due to strong demand from both domestic and international markets and the favorable supply conditions provided by Brazil's year-round production and efficient air freight logistics, which helped maintain competitive pricing. However, YoY prices dropped significantly by 24.68% due to increased competition from other major mango-exporting countries, particularly Peru, which led to price pressures in key export markets like Europe. Additionally, the oversupply of lower-cost mango varieties like Palmer and Tommy Atkins contributed to the decline in prices compared to the previous year.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Optimize Mango Supply Chain for Timely Deliveries

Malawi mango exporters should streamline their harvesting and shipment processes to minimize delays caused by weather conditions like extended rainfall. They must coordinate with logistics partners to ensure timely delivery to key markets such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Rajkot. Additionally, prioritizing efficient packing and transportation methods will help maintain mango quality and preserve their luxury appeal during peak seasons like India’s wedding period. This proactive approach will reduce future delays and sustain demand for these premium mangoes.

Diversify Markets and Strengthen Collaborative Strategies

Mango exporters in Peru’s Piura region should explore new export opportunities, particularly in Asia, by leveraging the new Chancay port for easier access. They should also focus on promoting less common varieties like Edward and Ataulfo in domestic markets while continuing to research and develop new mango types to appeal to different international markets. Additionally, collaborating in a coordinated way, similar to the US NMB’s approach, will help boost Peru’s competitive edge in the global mango industry. This strategy will ensure long-term market sustainability and stabilize prices despite increased competition from Brazil.

Leverage Seasonal Surplus for Strategic Sales

Vendors in Dar es Salaam should take advantage of the seasonal mango surplus by promoting bulk sales to juice makers at reduced prices, capitalizing on the cost savings. They should also focus on expanding their customer base by emphasizing the affordability and health benefits of fresh, homemade juices. To further maximize profits during off-season periods, vendors can develop marketing strategies targeting customers looking for cost-effective fruit options and continue diversifying their offerings with other popular fruits like watermelons and avocados.

Sources: Tridge, Agraria, Daily News, Freshplaza, Krishak Jagat, MXfruit, USDA