Ways to ensure consistent, top quality, supply of Australian mangoes to the newest export market, the US, was the top item on the agenda during visits to Darwin, Katherine, Mareeba and Bowen by the Australian Mango Industry Association’s Industry Development Manager, Trevor Dunmall, this week.
Mr Dunmall has been speaking with growers and discussing crop monitoring procedures, ensuring that those who will be exporting their mangoes are fully aware of the necessary procedures well before the season commences. "Growers shouldn't even think about exporting unless they are fully aware of the conditions underpinning exports," he told media. "No one can afford to make an error in this area, the i's have got to be dotted and the t's have to be crossed.”
The process will involve having orchards approved, undergoing an audit by the Department of Agriculture, and sending fruit via a treatment facility in Brisbane. The ultimate goal is ensuring that the mangoes have full flavor and maintain quality throughout the supply chain so theY impress consumers when they arrive in the US (Los Angeles) via airfreight, according to Mr Dunmall.
Understanding the needs of each market that Australian mangoes are sent to is important for growers, according to Mr Dunmall. “With the US, we’re taking small steps. The logistics from the farm, through to treatment, packing and shipping are all critical.”
Providing information to growers and exporters on handling will be an important step, Mr Dunmall said. “Australian mangoes need to be managed a little differently to those that US importers are used to, so there is work to be done to bring everyone involved up to a similar level of knowledge”
Flowering has commenced in the Northern Territory and there is some flower also in north Queensland, where the bulk of Australian mangoes are grown. Mr Dunmall says so far signs have been good. “We’re quietly optimistic with the early flower we’ve seen,” he told Fresh Plaza. “When it comes to meeting different countries consumers tastes, while we have some good insights, we are always looking to improve our knowledge in this area."
