A lack of demand for mangoes from international buyers is reportedly causing headaches in the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa with prices falling well below average.
Just weeks from the end of the season, some 60,000 tonnes of the region’s crop (or 60 per cent) has yet to be marketed overseas, according to Antonio Peña Trapero, chairman of the Río Baluarte Producers’ Association.
“Very little fruit is being channelled to the export market because there is no one to sell to,” Mr Peña told a local news source. “Prices per kilogramme have fallen significantly; Kent and Keitt varieties are selling for US$0.10-0.12/kg, while Tommy Atkins and Ataulfo mangoes are selling for US$0.20-0.23/kg.”
Production in Sinaloa is already forecast to decrease this season, with the latest Ministry of Agriculture estimates pointing towards a 30 per cent drop in volumes to 140,000 tonnes.
“The Sinaloan crop will definitely be down on 2007 due to pest problems, although fortunately the rainfall has helped to boost quality,” said the Ministry’s Jesús Antonio Valdés Valenzuela.
Mr Valdés added that the Sinaloan regions of El Pozole, Apoderado and Monte Alto, and El Rosario have been worst affected this season.
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