Seven organisations in the UK came together last week to set up the Mango Association. Its members are importers and grower marketing bodies: Agrexco UK, Janic, Minor Weir & Willis, Brazilian Fruit Institute, Utopia UK, Wealmoor and Westfalia.

Committing to a three-year campaign to improve sales of the fruit, members appointed Utopia UK's Mark Moody, as its first chairman.

'Mangoes continue to be the star performer of the tropical fruit range, estimated to outsell fresh pineapple on a weekly basis,' said Moody. 'But, much, much more can be achieved. Encouraging the consumer to try the...fruit, and focusing attention on merchandising at retail level will all help to further improve its status.' Building on the success of last year's Mango Week, the immediate plans are to hold a similar event during the second week of September, to boost the fading feel-good factor from the summer holidays. Complementing this will be a series of special events and media activity during the course of the year.

Additionally, links will be established with exporter and grower committees from all producer sources, seeking to build membership. The association will also position itself as a provider of essential data and statistics.

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