Tommy Atkins

The Ecuadorean mango season has got off to a late start but as the deal begins in earnest volume for 2012/13 looks set to be consistent, according to the Ecuadorean Mango Foundation (Fundación Mango).

“The total crop is forecast to come in at around 10m cartons, with about 80 per cent of the fruit destined for the US market,” the organisation’s Bernardo Malo told Americafruit.

“The balance `of the volume` goes to Canada, Europe, Mexico and New Zealand.”

The season began around one week later than usual at the end of September, and with volume light in the early producing areas the deal is expected to be running close to normal from mid-October onwards.

Malo expects Ecuador’s mango exports will peak between weeks 46 and 48 or approximately from mid-November into early December.

Mango production in Ecuador continues to be dominated by the Tommy Atkins variety, according to the association.

“About 65 per cent of what is grown in Ecuador is Tommies,” Malo explained. “We also have a fair amount of Kents – approximately 18 per cent – and there are more Ataulfos available now too.'