Apart from a lower production per hectare the growing area for mango trees also decreased. As the harvesting season is nearing its end producers and exporters have established a substantial decrease in the number of hectares. Low prices on the world market have caused a number of farmers to change cultures.
Bernardo Malo, chairman of Fundacion Mango, points out that the area decreased from 6,500 HA in 2007 to about 5,800 HA this past year. The decrease is accordance with the earlier started tendency. Ten years ago mango's were grown on more than 10,000 HA. According to Malo the difference between the producers-
and the selling price is becoming smaller all the time. The uncertain weather conditions played a very important role, especially as flowering occurred earlier than preferred. Also the processing industry noticed the results of the decrease in production.
After a perod of increase lasting 3 years the export decreased this year. Official data are not available, but one grower estimates the decrease in export to be between 30 and 35 percent this year. Figures supplied by Banco Central indicate that profits from export were in excess of 21 million dollar. The most important mango varieties exported by Ecuador are Tommy Atkins, Haden,Keitt and Ataulfo. About 80% is going to the American market against 7% for the EU and Canada. The rest goes to Mexico, New Zealand, Chile and other countries.
Fresh Plaza, 12/1/2008
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