The 2024/25 Brazilian Kent mango season is anticipated to begin earlier than usual, around mid-Sep-24, which is earlier than the typical October or November timeframe. This change is due to hot weather conditions in the country. As suppliers and buyers prepare for this early start, there is uncertainty about how extreme the weather will be in the four months leading up to the expected season commencement might impact this year's crop.
The Northeast region of Brazil stands out as a prominent mango producer, particularly the Vale do São Francisco region, where productivity rates surpass the national average. Despite a general decrease in production levels and robust international demand, Agrodan, the largest mango exporter in Brazil, experienced a notable increase in revenue and profits in 2023, achieving an average selling price and annual profit growth of approximately 40%. The company primarily focuses on exports, constituting 97% of its revenue. However, fluctuating prices of the Palmer mango variety raised concerns regarding production in the latter part of the year. Brazil ranks sixth globally in mango production, with the Northeast region contributing 82% of the national production.
During the recent Tommy Atkins Mango season in Tolima, the wholesale market in Western Colombia experienced a notable 31% week-on-week (WoW) price decline. Fruit vendors indicated that prices fell to USD 0.71 per kilogram (kg) during W19, primarily due to the high volume of products available at different sales points.
Recent rainfall in the Magdalena Valley, Colombia, has led to lower yields of baby mangoes. Consequently, growers expect the farmgate price to increase 8.7% WoW from USD 2.3/kg in W19 to USD 2.5/kg in W20.
India's mango season is in full swing from May-24, showcasing popular varieties like Kesar, Alphonso, and Badami. Despite prevailing heat waves, mango production remains unaffected, with a keen focus on key markets such as Europe, the Gulf region, Canada, and the United States (US). Although the Red Sea crisis has increased airfreight rates, clients have adjusted and are content to maintain their shipments. This season presents an opportunity to ramp up production volumes and fulfill buyer orders, promising a successful mango season.
Minab City expects a notable decrease in mango production in 2024, with forecasts predicting over 15 thousand tons, a 10% year-on-year (YoY) reduction due to climate changes. Moreover, mango harvesting begins in early May-24, with 30% of mangoes picked in their green stage for local consumption and culinary uses such as pickles and soups. The ripe mango harvest extends from mid-June through September, mainly in villages like Shahwar and Tembano.
The low temperatures in Hualien, Taiwan, have harmed mango orchards, reducing flower production and pollination rates. As a result, malformed mangoes have developed, and there is a shortage of fruits. The Hualien County Government has requested financial assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture to support affected farmers. Mango farmers can apply for aid or low-interest loans at their district offices from May 8 to May 17, 2024. This assistance is crucial as the mango harvest season begins on May 24, and many farmers are experiencing significant financial losses due to poor yields. Mango farmers need to adhere to the regulations governing natural disaster relief assistance.
Weekly Mango Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)
Yearly Change in Mango Pricing Important Exporters (W19 2023 to W19 2024)
Mango prices stood at USD 1.43/kg in W19, slightly decreasing by 1.38% WoW from the previous price of USD 1.45/kg in W18. Additionally, there is a slight monthly increase of 0.70% month-on-month (MoM). However, the price has increased by 28.83% YoY. Mango supplies have been tight over the past several months, leading to stronger pricing than usual. The El Niño effect has now impacted Mexico, causing supply disruptions that originated in Ecuador. The mango harvest in Mexico begins in the southern states and moves northward, but current volumes are low, especially for larger fruit. Consequently, tight supplies and high demand have driven prices up, although there are adequate supplies of smaller sizes.
The significant increase in mango prices in Peru, with a 4.41% WoW increase from USD 1.21/kg in W18 to USD 1.26/kg in W19 and a 10.82% MoM increase, is primarily due to supply shortages caused by the challenging end to the country's mango season. This increase is driven by a substantial drop in export volumes caused by the ongoing El Niño, which has led to hotter and drier weather, reducing flowering and fruit set in mango orchards.
The Brazilian mango market witnessed a significant price surge in W19, marking a 16.09% WoW increase and a 38.56% MoM increase. Prices reached USD 1.29/kg in W19, an increase from USD 1.11/kg in W18. This price hike is due to a production decline, particularly in the Northeast region, along with robust international demand. Experts anticipate a production increase later in 2024, although uncertainties persist, underscoring the dynamic nature of Brazil's mango market.
The price of mangoes in India dropped by 16.67% WoW to USD 0.25/kg in W19, down from USD 0.30/kg in W18. The price decrease is due to a record influx of Alphonso mangoes at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) Fruits market. This surge in supply is driven by farmers accelerating their harvesting processes in response to the threat of adverse weather, such as heavy winds and rainfall, which could lead to losses.
The wholesale price of mangoes in Northern Pathum Thani, Thailand, remained stable at USD 0.37/kg in W19, but the price has increased by 8.68% YoY compared to the previous price of USD 0.33/kg in May-23. This significant increase is due to the impact of drought and extreme weather conditions on mango production in the region.
The weather conditions have been particularly harsh, leading to mango trees drying up and pushing flowers without producing fruit. This has resulted in a drastic reduction in production, with farmers facing nearly half the usual output compared to previous years. Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by the low quality of the fruit, which may not command a competitive price in the market.
While the current price stability is a positive sign, it highlights the urgent need for government intervention and support measures to assist mango farmers in overcoming these challenges and sustaining their livelihoods. Actions such as providing financial aid, promoting sustainable farming practices, and facilitating access to export markets could help alleviate these adverse conditions' impact on Thailand's mango industry.
Given the impact of extreme weather on mango production, stakeholders should invest in advanced weather forecasting technologies to anticipate and manage weather-related risks. This includes adopting resilient farming practices and adjusting crop management strategies to mitigate the impact of heat waves and other climate challenges.
Mango producers and exporters should consider implementing price risk management strategies, such as forward contracts or hedging, to protect against price volatility. These strategies can help stabilize income and ensure profitability even in the face of fluctuating market prices.
To improve overall efficiency and competitiveness, stakeholders should invest in infrastructure and technology. This includes upgrading transportation and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of mangoes reaching the market. Additionally, adopting advanced agricultural practices and technologies can increase productivity and reduce production costs.