Ecuador ended its 2012-13 mango campaign on a high note at 9.3 million boxes exported and year-on-year volume growth of 10-15% according to the Ecuadorian Mango Foundation.

In a conversation with www.freshfruitportal.com, foundation president Bernardo Malo said that although the season could have been better, external influences impacted the year's decent growth.

In respect to the United States, where Ecuador sends 83% of its production, the year did not vary much from normal.

"In general, the season was good. Mangoes are a fruit sold according to supply and demand, so the price level was decent. What we observed as a consequence of the Daniella mango conflict out of Mexico was an increase in general controls for fruit entering the U.S. So we had numerous inspections by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). In terms of fruit condition on arrival and prices, it hasn't helped," he said.

Malo said he understood why the  FDA implemented stricter controls, but the measures clearly did not lend the season a hand.

To top it off, the 10-day port strike in California created an obstacle that set the season apart from regular production, he added.

A model to follow

Malo explained that the current industry situation - where Ecuador has earned consumer confidence and positioning in the most demanding markets - did not happen overnight. He attributed success to professional dedication on the part of Ecuadorian entrepreneurs.

"Until recently in Ecuador, there were 10,000 Ha of mangoes for export and six packing houses. Nowadays, there are 5,600 Ha and three packing houses. In other words, the business has been refined which allows us to understand as a country how careful we should be to not over saturate markets if we want to have a sustainable business," he said.

"In that way, we believe we are a model and we have shown leadership on the American continent."

On the Latin American level, Ecuador takes fourth places as a mango producer, behind Mexico, Brazil and Peru.

Malo said, however, the industry is so concerned with enforcing necessary care and offering high quality that mangoes are becoming increasingly consolidated on the international market.

"Producers have made important investments in their farms and on the packing level, where up-to-date technology is used. This has allowed us to reverse, in a certain sense, the image that the Ecuadorian mango had seven or eight years ago. It was seen as a space filler. Today we have our own name and reputation," he said.

According to Malo, it is difficult to make a market projection, especially with uncertain climactic conditions. What he did have clear was where he wanted Ecuadorian mangoes to go, including destinations such as Japan.

"We are working hard to enter Japan. This project will take a couple of years since phytosanitary authorities are very demanding and have strict protocol," he said.

Following the Daniella mango scare in the U.S., Malo said Ecuador has been dedicated to achieving the highest requirements.

"Here in Ecuador, we have three packing plants that are certified in best manufacturing practices and in the case of our farms, 40% of our hectares have GLOBALGAP certification in good farming practices. We hope to have 75% certified by the next season."

www.freshfruitportal.com