GO MANGO, expects to double production in under 3 years
Since 2001, GO MANGO has been producing Keitt mangoes in Puerto Rico. It currently has 1,000 acres in production, representing 200 annual export containers, and 500 acres are now being incorporated. “When we started the company, we planted the trees in a more compact area with the idea of acquiring more land in the future, moving the trees and expanding. We have just acquired a transplant machine and expect to double production in less than three years,” said Eileen Rodríguez, quality & compliance manager. The main market for GO MANGO is the EU, where 75% of the fruit is destined and where the largest customer base is concentrated. “The Netherlands and Germany are the main markets, although we are seeing that the UK is demanding more and more volume. Our interest is to continue expanding and raising brand awareness,” said Rodríguez. The firm also exports green mango to the US, especially for Asian consumers in that country. Rodriguez announced that the company’s next acquisition is a system of “forced cold”, a technology that cools the fruit quickly, slowing the ripening process and extending the life of the fruit. In addition to having certificates such as GLOBALG.AP, GRASP, Tesco and SMETA, in 2011, GO MANGO completed the integration of the fruit washing process with solar thermal heating, which allows it to heat all the water necessary for sterilising and processing mangoes before refrigeration and shipment. This saves 80% of energy resources. Similarly, the firm has installed solar panels on the roof of the packaging house, which allows it to produce 100% of the energy for its operations.