The Mexican mango industry: quest for quality.
Wong-Urrea J. M., Ontiveros-Nuño S., Avena-Bustillos R. J., Ponce de León L., Bosquéz-Molina E., Cruz-García L. A., Báez-Sañudo R.
Author Affiliation: EMEX, A.C., Químicos 4895, Guadalajara, Jalisco 45030, Mexico.
: 46-55
Abstract : Mangoes are grown in over 164?582 ha in Mexico, and produce ~1?118?253 tonnes annually. Domestic consumption represents ~88%, and ~12% is sent to foreign markets. Since 1992, mango exports have increased by 5% annually. Mexico exported 23?447?902 ten-pound boxes in 1993, 27?158?671 in 1994 and 29?009?784 in 1995. The USA is the main export market, representing 86.6, 86.5 and 84.0% of the total exported volume for 1992, 1993 and 1995, respectively. At present, Mexican mangoes are also exported to Canada, Europe, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Most exported cultivars are Haden, Tommy Atkins, Keitt and Kent, while Manila, Ataulfo and 'native' selections are grown for domestic markets. Mexico has a wide diversity in climates and has a long season for mango production. The harvesting of fruit for export begins in late January or early February, and ends in late September. The export industry is based in Empacadoras de Mango de Exportación, A.C. (Mexican mango exporters association, EMEX), which liaises with Mexican and foreign authorities to conduct quarantine procedures. EMEX has set its own fruit quality standards, and provides education and training to improve the image of Mexican mangoes.