Macfrut promotes tropical import potential

Colombia aims to secure a major increase in mango exports over the next four years, according to Gloria Isabel Morales Parra, general manager of national federation Fedemango.

She was speaking in Rimini, Italy, during a special round table event focused on mangoes and avocados held at fresh produce industry trade fair Macfrut, which opened its doors on 21 April.

According to Morales, the fruit is regarded as a key asset by the country’s fresh produce export community.

Colombia’s mango production is estimated to be roughly 300,000 tonnes at present, but its annual exports remain just a small proportion of that figure at around 10,000 tonnes per year.

At the same event Freshfel Europe’s Philippe Binard provided analysis of the global mango trade, and noted that worldwide production now exceeds 60mn tonnes, 50 per cent more than 15 years ago.

During the same period, he explained, exports have risen from 1.5mn tonnes to 2.2mn tonnes (+45 per cent).

And although India remains the world’s leading producer with 26mn tonnes, or 43 per cent of the total, Mexico is the largest exporter, shipping over 450,000 tonnes to foreign markets in 2025.

For Europe, he added, Brazil plays a central role by supplying 80 per cent of its more than 265,000-tonne export crop to the continent.

Binard also highlighted the steady growth of European mango imports, which have grown by +110 per cent to 444,500 tonnes in the last 15 years.

Tropical connection

Elsewhere at Macfrut, representatives from Peru and the Dominican Republic underlined their commitment to developing closer ties with the European market.

Macfrut president Patrizio Neri was on had to officially inaugurate the Dominican Republic stand, together with representatives from the Central American country.

Anibelca Mena, vice-minister of agro-industrial development, stated: “We are a country that not only produces, but also has a story behind all its products and crops. Every product we present here today represents our nation. We produce avocados, mangoes and bananas, and we aim to show other countries what the Dominican Republic truly is.”

Rafael Lantigua Ciriaco, the Dominican Republic ambassador to Italy, remarked: “Today, this great trade fair brings us together, taking us from our beautiful island to Rimini, to demonstrate that our country is not only about tourism. Macfrut, which this year focuses on avocado and mango, shows that we are also major producers of these products.”

He added: “We are here to present the quality of our production to Italy and the world. We may be a small country of 48,000 square kilometres, but we have a big heart and are truly at the forefront in agriculture.”

Ada Hernández, Dominican Republic ambassador to the FAO, also spoke at the event: “In this sector, the Dominican Republic is becoming a leader in Latin America and the Caribbean. While this leadership is shared with other regions, our efforts in production are gaining recognition. We currently produce more than 80 per cent of what we consume. We are already exporting and are here at Macfrut to showcase the excellent quality of our products to all countries and visitors.”

Peruvian pride

Elsewhere, Peru made its debut at the event. A ribbon-cutting ceremony also took place on the country’s official stand, where the country’s ambassador Manuel Cacho-Sousa was present.

“At Macfrut, we aim to connect with importing companies and distribution channels interested in purchasing directly from small Peruvian mango and avocado producers,” he said. “Our economy is based on small agricultural cooperatives and producer associations made up of about 100 families.”

Jordan Steeve Deza Castilla, director of the productive supply management directorate at Agromercado, commented: “This is Peru’s first time at Macfrut and a great opportunity for us. The fruit and vegetable sector is extremely important in our country. In addition to mango and avocado, our key products include grapes, asparagus and oregano.”

He continued: “Here at Macfrut, there are several Peruvian companies that export avocados and mangoes. We are an exporting country, we have already held various meetings with importers, and we are very satisfied.”