Movement of mangos is expected to remain stable and prices are expected to remain steady through the end of the month. If historical trends hold true, prices should increase in January.
“We're coming off the high prices we saw for mangos from Brazil,” said Gary Clevenger of Freska Produce International. “The market fell a little bit, but product seems to be moving pretty good right now. Quality is good and the market is decent.” Supplies are mostly coming from Ecuador, though Peruvian imports will become more prominent later this month.
Shipments are a little heavy for this time of year, but Clevenger doesn't think the market will have a problem taking in that extra fruit. On December 8, prices for a flat of Tommy Atkins 7s from Ecuador were between $6.50 and $7.00 at South Florida ports of entry, and prices for a flat at Southern California ports of entry were between $7.00 and $7.50.
“Come the end of the year, the market always goes up as demand increases,” explained Clevenger. “Retailers don't usually put ads out for mangos during Thanksgiving or Christmas, and once they get the holiday products off the shelf they look for something fresh. Plus, people tend to eat healthier at the start of the year, so mangos tend to do better then.”
