Latin American mango exports to the U.S. in week 8 (Feb. 25) , reached 1,396, 031 boxes, up 38% on the previous week, according to the latest statistics by the National Mango Board (NMB).

Mexico sent about 1,045, 279 boxes representing a 102.7% rise on the previous week with projections for the next two weeks at 1,050,872 and 1,215,567 respectively. The Atlaulfo week average price per box at the Texas entry port decreased by 6.3%.

Peru shipped 35%  less at about 321,184 boxes with projections for the next two weeks 250,000 and 150,000 respectively. The Kent weekly average price dropped by 4% for the Philadelphia port entry, 2.3% for South Florida port and 1.4% for Southern California.

Guatemala sent around 10,560 boxes with projections for the next two week at 25,000 and 35,000 boxes respectively. Costa Rica sent 19,008 boxes with projections for the next two weeks at 95,040 and 99,792 boxes respectively.

Mango consumption in the U.S. increased by 11% according to research by the NMB due to increasingly positive views of the fruit by consumers.

Industry experts believe this increase will continue in the future given that 41% of native Americans have yet to buy mangoes.

Related stories: Peru expects mango price hike in 2012

Photo: National Mango Board

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