Australian mango crop down in 2020

15th July 2021 | Eativity editors
Australian mango crop 2020

After several consecutive high-yielding seasons, the 2020 Australian mango crop produced the lowest volume in seven years. According to the Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA), a later start to the growing season, no real peaks, poor weather conditions, less product being exported and labour shortages all contributed to the lowest volume yet recorded in the AMIA crop forecast. This has been collecting data since 2014/2015.

Despite the slightly later start, the beginning of the 2020 season was filled with the promise of a big crop. Weekly volumes were tracking in line with the previous two seasons up until the end of September. However, by October and November, the volume collapsed and didn’t rise again through Christmas and the second half of summer. This culminated in a 23 percent lower volume compared to 2019. The harvest for 2020 totalled 8.2 million trays. For the past three years, the industry has surpassed 10 million trays.

This steep decline in volume led to a significant reduction in the number of mangoes available for sale. It also led to a higher average retail price, which meant fewer households buying mangoes. Consumers also bought mangoes less frequently and in smaller quantities.

Australian mango crop 2020
Only a few months to go, and there’ll be mangoes aplenty to devour.

Climb the Ladder of Love

Treena Welch, Australian Mangoes Marketing Manager, says the focus is now on bringing new buyers into the mango category and moving them up the “Ladder of Love”.

“Ultimately, we want to grow the ‘wedded buyer’ segment, and for good reason,” she says. “During the 2020 season, wedded buyers made up 22 percent of mango-buying households. They were responsible for buying 50 percent of volume and represented 51 percent of spending, buying on average 31 mangoes and spending $66.89 over the season.”

Fortunately, the 2021 season is looking more promising for growers. Farmers around Darwin have already picked up to 4000 trays of mangoes. Trays of Kensington Pride mangoes went on sale at Sydney Markets last week, selling for up to $70 a pop. However, unripe Kensington Pride mangoes first appeared at Sydney Markets as early as May, selling for $120 a tray. Kensington Pride and Calypso mangoes will be the first varieties to appear at supermarkets. They’re expected to arrive in late August to early September.