Current Situation of the Fresh Mango Market in the US

The flavor and texture of available mango varieties have led to a significant increase in their consumption in the United States. In fact, annual per capita mango consumption went from 0.85 kg in 2005 to 1.65 kg in 2020, an increase of 93.1%.

Additionally, level of ripeness is an important factor for consumers when they decide to purchase. According to in-store consumer tests conducted jointly by the National Mango Board (NMB) and the University of California, Davis, acceptance of ripe green mango is 39%, while that of ripe, ready-to-eat mango is 87%. Therefore, maturation and conditioning processes have a positive effect on sales.

Mango is increasingly seen less as an “exotic fruit” and more as an ordinary product. The processed mango segment has seen positive numbers in recent years, and of course, consumers are also demanding the availability of organic mango.

Imports of fresh mango by the United States have increased in recent years, reaching a volume of 549,221 tons in 2020, 11.4% more than the 493,005 tons imported in 2019.

It’s important to note that the United States does not export fresh mango, and the entirety of its imports are for domestic consumption.

Mango suppliers

The United States has few regions where mangoes can be grown outside of greenhouses. They are primarily found in Florida, but the constant threat of hurricanes and aggressive real estate development limit production of this crop, opening the door for mango suppliers from other countries.

Mexico dominates this crop

The chart leaves no room for doubt about the Mexican mango’s dominance in the US market. During the last 4 years (2017-2020), on average, 64.9% of mango imported by the United States was from Mexico, with an average price of $0.93 USD/kg in 2020.

Peru, will it break away from the pack?

Peruvian mango entering the US market between 2017 and 2019 represented 10.6% of the total, but in 2020 its share increased to 13.5%. Does this slight increase mean a greater market share in upcoming years? Possibly, since many Peruvian farmers are beginning to cultivate mango due to its profitability.

Ecuador remains in the fight

For a time, Ecuador fought with Peru for second position as a supplier, but now ranks third. There is a possibility that Brazil could displace it at some point. The volume of Ecuadorian mango entering the United States in 2020 was 53,053 tons.

Price of imported fresh mango

The average annual price for mango imported by the United States has remained stable in recent years, with a range between $0.93-0.96 USD/kg, which indicates significant stability in the market.

Between 2017 and 2020, the months with the highest prices were January, February, and October, with maximums of $1.09-1.14 USD/kg. On the other hand, the lowest seasonal prices were between April and August, with values between $0.76 and $0.81 USD/kg.

This considerable price drop is due to the fact that almost all mango in Mexico is grown between April and August, with peak annual production in June. Because export volume of Mexican mango is elevated in May, June, July, and August, prices fall in the US market.

Prices of fresh mango imported by the United States (USD/kg)

Conclusion

The US market is, and will continue to be, hungry for mangoes. It’s anticipated that import volumes will increase significantly in upcoming years. This is excellent news for Mexican agro-exporters, who will remain the main supplier to the United States.

However, Peru’s potential growth must be closely monitored, as farmers are beginning to see mango as an excellent business opportunity.

USDA ERS. Data by Commodity – Mangoes

USDA NASS. Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2020 Summary

Supermarket Perimeter. The Case for Ripe and Ready to Eat Mangos

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