MEXICO CITY: Mango imports from Mexico are wrapping up, and with Brazilian shipments not near peak volumes, current supply levels are keeping prices strong. If Ecuadoran imports arrive later than normal, then current mango prices could stay up.
“The late Mexican deal in Los Mochis began and ended earlier than usual this year,” said Ronnie Cohen of Vision Produce. “Demand continues to grow, and because of the early end to the late Mexican deal, that demand has created a higher than usual F.O.B. market, so prices are higher than historicals.” On August 20, prices for a carton of Keitt size 4 mangos were between $7.25 and $8.00 at Mexico crossings through Nogales, Arizona. With the Brazilian export season still in its early stages, prices for Brazilian fruit have also been high.
“There are very low volumes right now out of Brazil,” said Gary Clevenger of Freska Produce. “We’re looking at around 40 or 45 containers arriving this weekend and around 80 or 90 the following week. I think the peak will be around 110 containers per week.” He noted that prices for Brazilian fruit were higher than Mexican prices, with a carton of Brazilian Tommy Atkins mangos priced in the $11.00 to $12.00 range.
Late Ecuadoran start could buoy prices
As Brazilian imports increase, prices should come down. Cohen estimates that prices for Brazilian fruit could level off around $9.00 to $10.00 in the coming weeks, which would put price points at a similar levels to those from last year. But with demand strong, prices are not likely to go down much if supplies from Ecuador are down.
“Ecuador could be late this year and they could have lower volumes,” said Clevenger. “Normally, Brazil and Ecuador compete in late-October, but if volumes are down, then Ecuador will have a good window with favorable prices until the end of December. We could see prices stay up, and the only thing that could really bring them down would be if there were any quality issues with fruit.”
