Mango production and world market:: Current situation and future prospects

According to FAO statistics for the year 2000 at least 87 countries produced mangoes, continuing a smooth increase reaching slightly over 25 million tons compared to the 23.9 million recorded in 1996. Although exports have experienced a tremendous growth, prices have gone down, especially in the USA and the EU. Worldwide, the leading exporters are Mexico, the Philippines and Pakistan. With the exception of Southeast Asia, Australia and some African countries, which have their own varieties, most countries still produce and export cultivars developed in Florida, such as 'Haden', 'Tommy Atkins', 'Kent' and 'Keitt'. The mango has become a fairly common commodity for most consumers, so it is unlikely that market increases continue to rise as they have during the last few years. A solution to increasing consumption without further reductions in price might be possible if new cultivars of improved appearance and quality environmentally friendly cultivation systems were to be developed.