PERU & MEXICO - While there are many controllable elements with growing, packing, and shipping fresh produce, Mother Nature still reigns supreme when it comes to throwing the proverbial wrench in the machine. With the heightening demand for mangos driving consumers to the produce department and the heavy hand of challenging weather impacting supplies, Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, Freska Produce International, shares the details contributing to today's tight market.

“Back when the flowering was happening in Peru, hot weather caused by El Niño conditions in both Ecuador and Peru resulted in many of the flowers dropping,” Gary tells me. “This means less fruit on the trees by as much as 80 percent. Mexico is just getting going and is always slow to start, but we should see things getting back to normal by mid-March to early April. Retailers should expect some higher pricing till then. Luckily, today’s mango consumer pays a premium for quality fruit.”

Freska is currently pulling Kent mangos from Peru and Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins from Mexico. In addition, Gary expresses that sizing is normal, there are just fewer mangos at present.

Retailers can avoid supply gaps by working with high-volume vendors for a consistent supply, so Gary says, to keep them on the shelves.

“I can say with 100 percent confidence that better times are coming,” Gary concludes.

Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we follow the mango market on its recent ride with Mother Nature.