LOCAL MANGO producers have set their sights on China and India – biggest consumers of the fruit – in the face of shrinking volumes to Europe. According to Stephan Crafford, industry affairs manager at the South African Subtropical Mango Growers’ Association, competition from Peru and Brazil combined with the strong rand have impacted negatively on export volumes. Main export markets are the Netherlands, UK and France, and to a lesser extent the Middle East, Far East and Canada. Allafrica.com reports that South African mango exports have dropped from a peak of 17000 tons in the 2002/2003 season to a paltry 2 400 tons in 2005/2006, compared with local production of 67000 and 59000 tons respectively. The country exported only 7% of its total production during the past season, 70% of which went to Europe and the balance to the Middle East and the Far East. South African mango exporters have formed a market access working group which is focused primarily on seeking access to the Chinese market.
