Mangos in the Spotlight: Quality, quantity, and demand

Once thought of as an exotic tropical treat, more Americans are adding mangos to their diets. The rest of the world already adores this versatile fruit, and U.S. consumers are finally understanding why.

Blueprints talks to experts on the past, present, and future of this hotly trending and delicious commodity.

Supply Notes

Wherever people go, mangos go with them. One of the most beloved fruits in history, they’ve been grown and consumed in India for thousands of years, branching out into Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, and Africa.

In the United States, buoyed by the expanding Latino population, mangos continue to gain popularity.

Demand has risen every year of the 2020s, and last year, imports reached a record high of $1.02 billion, an increase of 2 percent over the previous year.

Volume reached a total of 644,000 tons, making the U.S. the biggest mango importer in the world. Even in Canada, demand has cracked the top ten, where mangos now represent 3 percent of total fruit import volume.

Seasonal Update

When it comes to procurement for North America, mangos from Mexican dominate the market, with crops from Brazil, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Nicaragua augmenting supply.

Like other crops, growers and suppliers never know what Mother Nature will bring but hope for the best.

“Mangos are always an interesting crop,” notes Jose Manuel Villacis, senior vice president of the Latin American division for Exp Group, LLC BB #:173863, headquartered in North Bergen, NJ. “There are never two mango seasons that are the same.”

This particular season has had a few rough patches, with both weather and pest pressures having an impact.

Sandra Salida Aguilar, marketing manager for Ciruli Brothers, LLC BB #:155976 in Nogales, AZ, says the 2026 season has been atypical.

“Elevated winter temperatures disrupted normal flowering patterns,” she explains. “We expect to see less fruit availability, particularly with round varieties, through mid- to late June.”

“Weather is always big, and this year wasn’t an exception,” agrees Villacis. “The Ecuadorian and Peruvian mango seasons weren’t the best I remember.”

Gary Clevenger, managing member of Freska Produce International, LLC BB #:171712 in Oxnard, CA, voices similar concerns. “The fruit hasn’t been as uniform across regions or timing. Quality has been good, but you’re seeing more variability week to week.

“Some comes down to weather affecting flowering and set. Last year felt a little cleaner; this year takes more hands-on management to stay ahead of it.”

Desirée Pardo Morales, vice president of Miami, FL-based W.P. Produce Corporation BB #:143203, concurs. “Overall, having a diversified sourcing strategy across regions allows us to manage variability and deliver the consistency our customers depend on for mangos.”

Morales says yellow varieties, like Ataulfo or honey, have been easier to come by than popular red cultivars like Tommy Atkins, Haden, and Kent.

“There have been more consistent supplies and better sizing from the southern state of Chiapas this year compared to neighboring states. The Chiapas crop has seen sizing skew mid- to large, with fewer small counts, compared to prior years.”

Weather also caused Albert Perez, CEO of Continental Fresh, LLC BB #:205099, in Miami, to seek out new sourcing, moving to the Nayarit and southern Sinaloa regions of Mexico as well as Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica.

“Shipping, fuel, and labor costs remain elevated compared to historical averages,” he says. “Labor availability, both in the field and in packing operations, also continues to require careful planning.”

“Shipping, fuel, and labor costs remain elevated compared to historical averages.”

Timing and Execution

Volatility is a particular concern for the mango deal, with surging demand but product quality and availability always a worry.

“We’ve seen better production and improved fruit quality in many regions, and companies are improving logistics, planning, and efficiency to manage costs,” observes Danielle Brenner, sales manager with Kimball Produce Sales, Inc. BB #:340352 in Pacifica, CA.

Yet continually climbing costs are requiring a realignment to new realities. “Changes are the only constant of the produce business, and you have to adapt very quickly; we sell perishables, and planning must be executed professionally for everything to go well,” comments Exp Group’s Villacis.

“Right this minute, we’re not dealing with tariffs anymore, but now we’re facing challenges with lack of equipment for shipping and the rising costs of sea and land freight,” he adds.

“Costs are still going in the wrong direction—labor, freight, packaging, everything,” agrees Clevenger. “That’s not new, but it hasn’t eased. The reality is, you can’t just pass it all along, so you have to run tighter.”

He points to better planning, reduced waste, and higher efficiency in moving product to save money for both businesses and consumers. “Mangos aren’t a niche item anymore. Quality, handling, and education are what will drive the next phase. The demand is there; we just have to execute better to meet it.”

“Mangos aren’t a niche item anymore. Quality, handling, and education are what will drive the next phase.”

Foodservice and Retail

While mangos continue to make headway as flavor additives, in smoothies and desserts, as part of fruit salads, and in sauces at restaurants and food venues, grocery retail is critical to the trade.

“From a demand standpoint, retail remains the largest channel, and retailers are promoting earlier and with greater frequency this season,” observes Aguilar.

“Foodservice mango demand has also grown, though smaller in scale. We’re selling to more foodservice customers than ever before.” She cites Ciruli’s Champagne mango as seeing a spike foodservice demand, as well for home delivery customers and ready-made meal subscriptions.

Kimball’s Brenner, too, sees continued growth. “Foodservice and export demand are growing steadily.”

Final Thoughts

While it’s true rising costs, fluctuating availability, and unpredictable weather are annual challenges, our contributors all believe the mango market will continue to grow and flourish.

“Despite short-term supply challenges, the long-term outlook is overwhelmingly positive,” enthuses Perez.

“In the coming years, the industry is expected to benefit from greater diversification of sourcing regions, advancements in varietal development, and improved supply chain efficiencies.” He also predicts more progress in sustainability and social impact considerations.