The Indian mango season is likely to be delayed this year because of a late monsoon and cold weather conditions, according to Kaushal Khakhar CEO of Kay Bee Exports, a mango specialist that supplies major European retailers.
Based on grower intelligence, Mr Khakhar expects harvesting and exports to start in early April, instead of the usual March. As a result, the season will be shorter and prices less variable, he said.
Volumes are expected to be down by 10-15 per cent compared to a normal year, he told Newline. But fruit sizes look normal and quality will be generally good.
However, Ajit Desai, chairman and managing director of Indian exporter Desai Fruits and Vegetables expects Indian mango output in 2011 to be 20-30 per cent higher than 2010 volumes, with the season due to start as normal in the first week of March.
“Quality is expected to be superior to last year,” said Mr Desai, who bases his estimates on grower information and following mango grove inspections. “As a result the size is also estimated to be above 250g per fruit.”
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