Supplies of imported mangos are fairly light, and demand for smaller sizes is strong in the western part of the U.S. Demand on the East Coast is better, and prices for fruit from South America are robust.
“The market slowed down a little out here in the western part of the country,” said Manny Cota of R.C.F. Produce. “Demand is good for smaller sizes, if you have them, but mostly everyone is coming in with Keitts in 4s and 5s, which are big sizes.” Those big sizes are coming from the Los Mochis region in Sinaloa, Mexico, and, while prices have been around $8.00 on 7s and smaller, prices for larger fruit have been lower. On August 28, prices for a carton of Keitt 4s from Mexico were between $7.00 and $8.00 on crossings through Nogales, Arizona.
“Brazilian fruit is starting to hit the East Coast,” said Cota. “Demand on the East Coast is better. There is a bigger market over there.” Supplies have been light for the demand that is present there, and prices have reflected that. On August 28, prices for a flat of Tommy Atkins 6s from Brazil were between $10.00 and $11.00 at the Philadelphia area port of entry, and prices for a flat of 9s were between $10.50 an $12.00.
