Mango supplies in Canada are somewhat scarce, particularly in larger sizes.
We can’t get enough right now from Mexico, regardless of what the pricing has been like,” says Robert Papa of Broadview Produce Company Inc., based in Etobicoke, Ontario. He adds that mango supplies are more scarce this season than they have been historically and attributes this to a variety of factors, including inflation, a lack of labor, increased input costs, and more. “I think all of that is being pushed all the way to the end consumer.”
Currently, Broadview Produce is bringing in Kent and Haden mangoes that are running smaller than normal, although they have good quality, clean fruit. Ataulfo mangoes, which he notes are starting production earlier and earlier each year, are also wrapping up and should finish next month. Broadview Produce is also bringing in the Mallika variety of mango, both organic and conventional, which it will carry until the end of August. “It’s very popular—a lot of people are finding it a nice alternative to a regular Tommy Atkins, Kent, or Haden. The look is similar to an Ataulfo, but it’s flatter and greener in skin. It doesn’t really ripen in full yellow, and the taste is very unique,” Papa says.
Strong demand too
At the same time, demand is good for mangoes and stronger than it’s historically been at this time of year. “Typically, June-July can be a softer market, but there are definitely a lot more people looking for fruit and just more interest all the way around,” says Papa.
Right: The Mallika mango
This is given that there are stronger prices on mangoes across the board. “It’s been higher, and prices are staying up there. Even at times when prices fall historically, they’re not.”
Looking ahead, Papa says that the transition from the Kent variety to the Keitt variety will happen at the beginning of August.
For more information:
Robert Papa
Broadview Produce Company, Inc.
Tel: +1 (416) 252-8989
info@bpci.ca
