GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW MANGOES

Trade conditions also vary by market. Demand remains relatively stable in parts of Europe, while exporters in Asia, Africa, and Latin America continue to adjust destination markets and supply programs. El Niño, phytosanitary pressure, quality requirements, and changing volumes remain key factors shaping the outlook for the coming months.Italy: Demand grows as local supply enters marketA player representing 20-25 per cent of the Italian mango market reports that domestic consumer interest is steadily growing, with stable, seasonally adjusted consumption figures concentrated mainly in Central and Northern Italy, but also gradually expanding into Southern Italy. In terms of consumer preferences, the market has shifted from the traditional Tommy variety towards Palmer, which is in greater demand thanks to its excellent organoleptic properties and almost fibre-free flesh, despite its less intense skin colour. In terms of supply, Brazil is establishing itself as the most reliable sea freight source, accounting for around 70-80 per cent of imports in this category, while Peru dominates the air freight market. Looking ahead, the key challenge in increasing market penetration will be to maintain consistently high quality throughout the year.A northern Italian wholesaler specialising in exotic fruit explains that the last batches of high-quality produce from South America arrived last week, and the wholesaler has practically run out. Currently, mangoes are available in Italian markets, having been flown in from Brazil and Israel. The latter are reasonably priced and of good quality. However, the most important thing is that European produce is already available. The first local mangoes are arriving from Sicily and are of high quality, albeit at a high price. The wholesaler also points out that mangoes from Spain are on the market, as well as some from Portugal in small quantities. Prices range from €2 per kg for sea freight to €8-9 for air freight from Israel. Italian mangoes have also appeared on the wholesale market at around €9 per kg.Another wholesaler in northern Italy reports that mango prices have remained high since mid-July, despite generally good quality. Sea-freighted mangoes, mainly from Brazil, are purchased at €6.50-8 per crate, depending on variety, size, and quality. The Spanish season has started, with Osteen mangoes widely available and popular in traditional and ethnic markets. Purchase prices start at around €1.70/kg, rising to €2-2.20/kg for the best sizes and qualities. The air-freighted market remains tighter. Mexican Kent mangoes are scarce at the end of the season and cost €46-47 per 5.5 kg crate. Israeli and Egyptian mangoes, involving other varieties, average around €6/kg. The first Brazilian Kent air shipments are priced at around €43-45 per 6 kg crate, although their colour can be less attractive to Italian buyers despite good flavour. Attention is now turning to the Spanish Kent season in Málaga, expected to start in about two weeks, which could provide an alternative to air-freighted mangoes. However, prices are expected to remain largely stable in the coming weeks.The current mango season in Sicily is shaping up to be exceptional, with an abundant harvest exceeding previous years' volumes. Trade flows have been steady and consistent in the first three weeks of the season. Despite the large volume of produce on the market, the balance between supply and demand remains stable in Italy, France, and Germany. This is due to the distinctive quality of Sicilian mangoes, which are characterised by their aroma and fragrance compared with imported varieties. However, the sector faces significant challenges related to the fragmented supply chain and heavy reliance on weather conditions in northern Italy and across Europe, which directly impact consumer habits.The Netherlands: Market stable, but supply balance remains keyThe Netherlands: The overall mango market is currently fairly stable, according to a Dutch trader, with prices at a healthy level for both importers and exporters. Several origins are supplying the European market, but volumes remain limited. This is positive, as demand from retail and other channels is currently low. Mangoes can easily be overlooked while summer fruit remains prominent in stores. Demand is expected to pick up as the holiday period ends. At the same time, more European supply will become available, making the balance between supply and demand crucial. Prices are expected to remain around €6–8 per 4 kg box in the coming weeks, which is also necessary given the relatively high cost of incoming fruit.The Dominican Republic season is virtually over, with the final arrivals expected this week. Some scattered arrivals may follow next week. Quality is very poor, with anthracnose, overripe fruit, and decay, typical of the end of the season.In Brazil, volumes are gradually increasing as the country enters its natural growing season. The main varieties are Keitt, Palmer, and Tommy Atkins. Tommy Atkins is destined for the U.S., while Keitt and Palmer mainly go to the EU. Brazilian Kent volumes have declined because of its relatively low productivity of 5–10 tons per hectare, compared with 25–35 tons for Palmer and Keitt. Brazilian growers are maintaining firm prices despite increasing volumes, a trend expected to continue in the coming months. Exporters are aiming to stretch the season into February to compete with Peru, where volumes are expected to be limited due to El Niño. Rainfall remains the main risk in Brazil.In Israel, the crop is expected to be 50–60% below normal, while the domestic market is performing strongly. As a result, very little fruit is available on the free market, apart from limited volumes for retail programs.The Spanish season is about to begin. Following last year's large crop, it is expected to be at least 40% lower this year. Extreme heat has also resulted in a relatively high proportion of Class 2 fruit due to sun damage. The main sizes are expected to be 7–8–9 for Osteen and 5–6–7 for Keitt. Some fruit is already arriving, although Brix levels are still somewhat low. These are expected to improve over the next one to two weeks. Current prices are high at €11–12 per 4 kg box delivered in the Netherlands, but are expected to fall towards €8–9 once the season is fully underway.Offers from Egypt continue to reach European importers. The Egyptian mango sector is becoming increasingly professional and is expected to grow in importance. Suppliers are still working to consistently meet EU MRL and quality requirements, but progress is being made.Early reports from Peru are poor, with flowering particularly weak in Piura. El Niño has kept temperatures high both day and night, limiting natural flowering. Artificial flowering is possible but unpredictable. The Peruvian season is therefore expected to be short, with limited volumes.Spain: Output expected to fall by 25 to 30%The Spanish mango campaign has recently begun in Malaga and Granada with early varieties such as Tommy and Irwin, and this week will see the start of the first Osteen, the most widely planted variety.This season begins under very different conditions from last year. Following the record crop of 2025, with around 60,000 tons, forecasts now point to a smaller harvest, shaped by winter weather patterns and brought forward by high temperatures. On the one hand, this winter's abundant rainfall has been highly beneficial for replenishing reservoirs and water storage facilities following years of drought. However, the storms brought strong winds that caused significant loss of foliage, leading trees in the most affected areas to produce more leaves instead of flowers.Although definitive official data are not yet available, growers and marketers estimate that mango output could be around 25 to 30% lower than in the 2025 season.Spanish mangoes will have to compete in the European market with other Mediterranean sources, such as Israel, which has lower volumes this year, and Egypt, but mainly with Brazil, which could view the reduced Spanish harvest as an opportunity to increase its shipments.On the other hand, professional growers and traders point out that, for weeks, a substantial amount of prematurely harvested and immature fruit from certain growers seeking to speculate, as prices were high due to a temporary gap in the European markets caused by the drop in Brazilian supply, has been circulating in the markets. This can be harmful for consumption and push the prices of good-quality fruit down.The combination of a smaller harvest, early ripening, and those prematurely harvested volumes points to a season that will likely be shorter and more intense. The Osteen variety could likely finish in September, followed by a switch to Keitt this year.France: Limited supply supports marketThe mango market is currently performing relatively well in France, supported by limited availability from the main producing origins. The Spanish season is now getting underway, with sales developing at a good pace, particularly for popular varieties such as Tommy Atkins. However, volumes are expected to remain limited, with Spanish supplies already reported to be significantly below initial forecasts.The outlook is even tighter compared with last year, which was itself considered a low-volume season. As the Spanish campaign progresses, volumes should gradually increase, but availability is not expected to reach particularly high levels. This limited supply could help keep the market relatively firm in the coming weeks.Other origins are providing only limited additional volumes. Some Israeli mangoes are arriving by air freight and are priced higher, but volumes remain limited. Brazilian supplies are also relatively scarce, while the Mexican campaign is drawing to a close, leaving little product available from that origin.More Spanish mangoes should become available as the season advances, but the increase is expected to remain moderate. With overall supply still relatively constrained, prices could therefore remain supported, although it remains difficult to predict exactly how the market will develop.Germany: Kent mangoes expected from Spain in week 37The Spanish mango season is now in full swing. The season began with the Osteen variety, followed by Irwin, which tends to attract slightly less attention from shoppers due to its fibrous texture.The first Kent mangoes from Spain are expected in calendar week 37, according to a specialised supplier. Meanwhile, Peruvian air-freighted mangoes continue to be offered at German wholesale markets, although they tend to serve more as a supplement, partly due to higher market prices during the Spanish season.Once the Spanish mango season ends in October, demand for Peruvian mangoes typically rises noticeably again.North America: Imports projected to fall in 2026The U.S. relies on imported mangos for virtually all of its supply. Mexico, the main supplying country, started shipping in January, but due to weather issues, volumes during the summer were much lower than usual. In addition, the season was cut short and has pretty much finished. All in all, Mexico is projected to ship 80 to 85 million boxes this year, as opposed to 95 million last year.From Mexico, imports will move to offshore countries, with Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru being the main suppliers. Brazil started shipping in the first week of August and is expected to ship 40 per cent more volume compared to last year's season. According to current projections, Brazil will ship 12.5 million boxes of mangos to the U.S., instead of 9 million last year.Ecuador's mango volumes are taking a big hit this season, caused by a super El Niño event. The country is projected to ship 6.6 million boxes, compared to 14 million boxes last year. Quantities from Peru, the second-largest supplier of mangos to the U.S., are still a big question mark. Most concerning is that there is usually a high correlation between volumes from Ecuador and volumes from Peru, so Peruvian mango volume will most likely be lower as well.Altogether, the U.S. is projected to import between 131 and 136 million boxes of mangos this year, versus 150 million in 2025.Brazil: Output remains at around 80% of normal capacityThe second half of the year looks positive for Brazil. Delays in Peru and Ecuador, together with the end of the Mexican season, are extending Brazil's commercial window, particularly in the U.S. market.Rainfall during the first half of the year led to anthracnose and reduced availability, with output currently at around 80% of normal capacity. In Europe, demand for smaller sizes is strong, with prices ranging from €7–7.50 per box for large sizes and €8–8.50 per box for small sizes. Prices are expected to exceed €9 per box in November and December.Competition from Málaga, Spain, is less competitive this year. Forecasts point to "a spectacular year" for Brazil.Mexico: Nayarit loses around 80% of cropThe Mexican crop ended below expectations, with Nayarit losing around 80% of its crop due to weather conditions. In southern Sinaloa, hot-water treatment facilities operated at 40% capacity because of fruit shortages, forcing suppliers to source product from Oaxaca. Northern Sinaloa, by contrast, extended its season.Phytosanitary pressure also increased, with a growing number of lots affected by fruit fly in Oaxaca. Export prices remained stable, as mangoes are traded largely as a commodity, although lower supply resulted in a slight improvement in farmgate prices. The sector is seeking to diversify its markets beyond the U.S.Peru: Kent flowering remains below expectationsFlowering of the Kent variety is far below expectations, with Piura reporting only around 20% open bloom, Lambayeque 10%, and Áncash up to 45%. The problem is attributed to unusually high minimum temperatures, with warnings that El Niño could reach a "very strong" or even "super El Niño" category.Exports fell from 287,424 tons in 2024/25 to 223,686 tons in 2025/26. Farmgate prices ranged from €2.14–2.57/kg for airfreighted shipments at the beginning of the season to €0.43–0.51/kg for sea shipments at the end of the season.Structural challenges include soil nutrition, financing, and the need for varieties with greater cold tolerance.India: Exports reach 31,819 tonsIndia's fresh mango exports continued to grow in 2026, reaching 31,819 tons, up from 29,938 tons in 2025. Export value, however, eased from €48.4 million to around €46.2 million, pointing to lower overall price realisation despite higher volumes.Indian mangoes were exported to over 40 countries, with the UAE, USA, UK, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia among the key destinations. The Middle East continues to account for a significant share of volumes, while premium markets such as the USA and Australia offer stronger price realisation and potential for further export-value growth.The industry is also looking to diversify beyond its traditional Gulf markets, with greater opportunities emerging in Europe, North America, Australia, and other higher-value destinations, although stringent quality and MRL requirements remain important considerations.Varietal diversification could further support this expansion. While Alphonso, Kesar, and other established export varieties remain important, there is growing interest in promoting varieties including Dussehari, Chausa, Langra, and Amrapali in international markets. Improved packhouse infrastructure, post-harvest treatment, pre-cooling, and cold-chain connectivity are helping make these varieties more commercially viable for export.Looking ahead, the focus is increasingly shifting from simply increasing export volumes towards consistent quality, compliance, varietal diversification, and access to higher-value markets.Japan: Growers face intense heatIn Ibaraki Prefecture near Tokyo, mangoes are also currently in season, with parfaits topped with locally grown mangoes enjoying great popularity.However, unexpected damage has recently emerged. Leaf scorching, where leaves are burned by overly intense sunlight, is spreading. The sunlight has become so intense that even mangoes, which are native to tropical regions, are struggling to endure it.When mango leaves are scorched, it causes discoloration and lowers the quality of the fruit. Farmers are struggling to minimise the damage by wrapping individual mangoes in paper."We have overcome whatever challenges came our way so far. I am sure we will get through this, too," the tropical fruit farmer says.Pakistan: Shipments decline to 44,882 tonsPakistan's mango exports have fallen sharply in 2026, with shipments reaching 44,882 tons, according to Department of Plant Protection (DPP) data. This represents a 66 per cent decline compared with 2024, raising concerns among exporters and growers over shrinking international markets and inadequate government support.Mango exports have so far reached only 34 countries in 2026, indicating a loss of access to 43 markets. Iran remained the largest buyer, importing around 20,336 tons, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 10,068 tons and Oman with 6,359 tons. The United Kingdom imported 3,439 tons, while Norway received 518 tons.Several markets recorded significant declines. Afghanistan has no recorded mango imports from Pakistan so far in 2026, while Saudi Arabia's imports fell to 710 tons. Other destinations included the United States at 248 tons, Canada at 227 tons, Sweden at 175 tons, Ireland at 126 tons, and Malaysia at 104 tons.Exporters cite a lack of cold-chain facilities, certification support, market development, and effective trade diplomacy, while growers have reported weaker farm-gate prices and difficulties selling their produce. Industry representatives are calling for support for air freight, improved compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards, better cold-chain infrastructure, and efforts to restore access to lost markets.South Africa: First new-season mangoes expected in late NovemberSouth African mango orchards are in bloom, and the first of the new South African crop is expected to start coming in by the end of November or the beginning of December.Mangoes are imported by retailers for fresh-cut programmes, and there are practically no mangoes available on the local wholesale market. The Johannesburg market website currently records prices of between €4.6 and €5.3 per kilogram for these extremely limited volumes."We are currently recovering from Brazil, but will be switching to Egypt and Spain shortly, only for the prepped fruit lines," says a retail buyer.The conflict in the Middle East is a source of major concern to mango exporters who had found a growing market as a result of the large Indian and Pakistani communities in the region. "If we don't have our markets in the Middle East by the time mangoes roll around, we're going to run into difficulties," a mango exporter observes. "We have far too many mangoes for the domestic market to take."Egypt: Peak exports supported by Naomi and KeittThe Egyptian mango season is now in full swing, with peak export volumes through August as both the local Naomi variety and the international Keitt reach the market together. Naomi became available from mid-July, while Keitt followed in August, giving exporters a two-way program to supply both regional and global markets.Naomi mangoes are particularly popular in the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, while Egyptian Keitt is more widely exported to European markets, including the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and other Central and Eastern European countries.One exporter reports the strongest European demand yet for Egyptian fruit. "We view this year as a breakthrough for Egyptian mangoes in the European market, with a significant increase in demand that is enabling us to enter new markets with newly developed varieties," she says. She reports new openings with major buyers in Spain, France, Italy, Holland, and the UK, supplying wholesale hubs including Rungis, Marseille, Mercabarna, London, and Rotterdam. Average pricing in the largest retail hubs during August sits between €1.25 and €1.50 per kilogram.Senegal: European exports exceed 19,000 tonsSenegal's mango season closed on July 26, with exporters reporting export volumes up around 15% on last year despite quality complaints from some international buyers."We are satisfied with how the campaign unfolded, yet not completely. We did face some difficulties on the international market due to sizing and some quality issues," an exporter's representative says, citing anthracnose complaints from importers.Exports to Europe alone exceeded 19,000 tons, up from 14,000 tons the previous season, while shipments to Morocco also performed well despite competing volumes from Mali and Côte d'Ivoire flooding that market. The same source highlights the sector's fruit fly compliance this season: no maritime interceptions, one air-freight interception, and two personal-luggage interceptions.Earlier in the campaign, exporters described a market defined by size mismatches. "Customers are mainly asking for sizes 9 and 10, which are currently hard to find. Sizes 11 and 12 are the ones we have the most of," says an exporter. Reference prices rose 20% season-on-season.Mali: Exporters rely heavily on MoroccoMali's mango sector remains locked out of the European Union this season after more than 63 shipments were intercepted at European borders last year over fruit fly presence, prompting Brussels to suspend all imports.The Malian government has since imposed a 12-month action plan to strengthen fruit fly monitoring. With the EU closed, exporters relied heavily on the Moroccan market this season.Côte d'Ivoire: Postharvest losses estimated at 30 to 40%Côte d'Ivoire's mango season got off to a tight start with lower volumes than usual. Available fruit skewed toward sizes 8, 9, and 10, while the more sought-after 6 and 7 remained scarce, creating a shortage of large-sized mangoes in the European market. Prices for Ivoirian mangoes were relatively high at the start of the season.Côte d'Ivoire remains Africa's leading mango exporter and Europe's third-largest supplier after Brazil and Peru. The sector is leaning further into processing. Businesses across the country now produce dried mango, pulp, juice, nectar, jams, and mango butter, work that extends employment beyond the harvest window and can absorb fruit that fails export-grade appearance standards.Postharvest losses remain substantial, estimated at 30 to 40 per cent of output, which researchers say makes processing capacity central to reducing waste while supporting the government's target of processing 50% of agricultural output domestically.Australia: Northern Territory flowering delays full-season startThe mango season is just starting in Australia, with the first mangoes reaching markets in the southern states from the Northern Territory. Harvesting only really kicks into gear in the Australian spring, corresponding to the northern autumn.Growers are reporting later-than-usual flowering in the Northern Territory, which will bring a much later start to the full season. It is the latest they have seen since 2008. This has been driven by heavy rain earlier this year, although growers have managed the outcome well.Fingers are crossed to avoid a heatwave, which could prevent flower set and lead to a smaller-than-expected crop.Meanwhile, Queensland is a little ahead of schedule, so the two seasons might overlap a little. This is not a serious problem because it means supply will be smooth, although it does require management. The mangoes seen in Melbourne's wholesale market are reported to be of high quality, and vendors believe a strong season beckons.Global climate: El Niño probability exceeds 90% from SeptemberMeteorological organisations put the probability of El Niño at 80% by July and above 90% between September and December, potentially affecting floral induction in the Southern Hemisphere.This is compounded by high global phytosanitary pressure, including anthracnose, bacterial black spot, mango malformation, and powdery mildew, which can reduce yields by up to 90% if not correctly diagnosed.Next Topic: GrapesPublication date: Fri 28 Aug 2026© FreshPlaza.com / Stefan Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen