NZ consumers develop taste for Aus mangoes

With both major supermarket chains stocking them, record numbers of exports in 2014/2015 and nationa…

With both major supermarket chains stocking them, record numbers of exports in 2014/2015 and national distribution, it would be fair to say that Australian mangoes have been warmly received by New Zealand consumers. “In 2013/2014 we processed 1200 palettes, which equates to 1.2 million mangoes. In 2014/2015 we have processed 1500 palettes, which equates to 1.8 million mangoes,” says Murray Lynch, CEO of Steritech, the company that carries out treatment and processing of Australian mangoes before they are shipped overseas. The strong numbers, and the fact that Australian mangoes are accepted at all major retailers and many independents, means there is a strong launch pad for the upcoming 2016 season already in place in New Zealand, according to Michael Daysh, Market Development Officer for the Department of Primary Industries in the Northern Territory.

The increase in late 2014 and early 2015 has continued a steep upward trajectory, equating to 600 million mangoes. This season that was due to an oversupply in the domestic market leading growers to look to overseas markets for a higher return, according to Mr Lynch. Even though Australian mangoes compete with those from countries such as Peru and Ecuador on the international market, the price they have attracted in New Zealand has been high enough to make exports worthwhile, with consumers happy to pay a premium for quality produce from Australia, according to growers. Pinata farms, which sends mangoes to New Zealand, also confirmed that it sent 50% more this year than what it did in 2014.

The most popular varieties for New Zealand consumers are Honey Gold, R2E2, Kensington Pride and Calypso – KEITTS and Calypso recently shipped to the US, and have been received well by retailers and consumers there according to reports.