Andalusia breaks mango export record with 32,500 tons

In the 2017 campaign, Andalusia’s mango sector achieved record exports of more than 32,500 tons. Almost all (96%) are sent to the European Union, with the main markets being in Portugal (45%), France (23%) and Germany (13%).

The European Union is supplied mainly by imports from third countries, especially Brazil (20%, 117,500 tons) and Peru (16%, 96,000 tons), and, to a lesser extent, from Spanish production, which represents 7%. Although Brazil exports to the European Union throughout the year, its strong season is from October to January, coinciding broadly with mango production in Andalusia.

Andalusia’s mango area currently stands at 3,970 hectares, of which 3,227 hectares are in production. Around 97% of this area is located in the province of Malaga, with the rest in Granada. Although, the first Andalusian mangoes begin to be harvested at the end of July with greenhouse production, the bulk of the campaign starts in September with the production from outdoor plantations. The main strength of the Andalusian mango lies in the excellent quality/price ratio provided by the proximity of the market to the place of production in comparison with imports from tropical countries. The longer ripening time in the tree produces fruits of better organoleptic and nutritional quality.