Indonesia Mango Export 2019: Production, Global Market, and Price

Mango Variety: Harumanis Mangoes

Harumanis is one of the most popular mango varieties produced in Indonesia. The harvest season for Harumanis starts in August and ends in December. September is the peak season for the Harumanis variety. Compared to other well-known mango varieties such as the Alphonso variety, Harumanis is slightly larger and more elongated and the color remains green even when the fruit fully ripens. The Harumanis variety is known for its taste and juiciness. For example, according to KSIP Agro, an Indonesian mango exporter, the Brix level of this variety is between 17 and 18, whereas the average Brix level for other mango varieties is between 14 and 15. Furthermore, due to its lower fiber content, the Harumanis mango is juicier compared to high-fibered mangoes such as the Alphonso variety.

Indonesian Mango Production

The mango production volume in 2019 is expected to increase compared to 2018 because of the increased harvest area. Due to the growing domestic and global demand for Indonesian mangoes, more farmers are starting to plant mango trees. In addition, weather conditions have been favorable in 2019 compared to the last couple of years. So far, the country experienced less rainfall, which is favorable for mango production and quality. Dry weather is helpful for the flowering of fruit and allows mangoes to develop high Brix levels. However, high rainfall is expected in December 2019, and as a result, production is expected to fall during December.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government is encouraging mango production, as mango is one of the top fruits produced and exported by Indonesia. The government is planning to launch a hot water treatment facility for mangoes so that Indonesian mangoes can be exported to countries with more stringent phytosanitary requirements such as South Korea and Japan. The hot water treatment removes fruit flies and other pests present in mangoes.

Indonesian Mangoes in the Global Market

Export volume is expected to increase in 2019 compared to 2018 due to the increased production volume and growing demand for Indonesian mangoes. Southeast Asian countries are the main export destinations for Indonesian mangoes. In August 2019, the company exported a total of 80 tons of mangoes: 50 tons to Singapore, 20 tons to Malaysia, and 10 tons to Hong Kong. This is a 10% increase in export volume compared to August 2018. With its high Brix level and juiciness, Harumanis mangoes are considered premium mangoes in these three countries.

Starting in September 2019, KSIP Agro also started exporting its Harumanis mangoes to Russia. Russia imports around 2 tons of mangoes per week, and the company expects the demand to increase as Indonesian Harumanis mango develops its reputation in the new market. The company is also planning to export to Egypt as Harumanis mangoes are very different compared to locally produced Egyptian mangoes, and the demand for new types of mangoes are increasing in Egypt.

The Harumanis mangoes have been previously exported to developed markets such as the Netherlands and other western European countries. However, the variety did not perform as well as expected. Consumers in the developed markets tend to prefer mangoes that are yellow or red compared to green mangoes as they tend to feel that Harumanis mangoes are not as ripe or sweet.

Price of Indonesian Mango

Despite the production volume increase, the FOB price of Indonesian Harumanis mango is around 5% higher in 2019 compared to last year. The main reason for the price increase is the growing demand for Harumanis mangoes: the demand is increasing both in the domestic markets and the overseas markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Russia.

When the season started in August 2019, the FOB price was around 1.50 USD per kg and as more mangoes entered the market in late September, the FOB price slightly decreased to 1.25 USD per kg. However, this is still around 5% higher than the FOB prices in 2018.

Harumanis mangoes are considered premium mangoes due to their sweet taste and high juice content. Currently, in the Malaysian retail market - one of the major destinations for Indonesian Harumis - the variety is priced at 22.9 MYR (5.46 USD), whereas Thai Chokanan mangoes are priced at 12.90 MYR (3.08 USD) and Malaysian Golden Phoenix mangoes are priced at 18.9 MYR (4.51 USD). Despite the higher prices, Harumanis mangoes perform well in the Southeast Asian markets due to a strong brand reputation, states Kiran Rahal from KSIP Agro.