The National Mango Board elected new officers during its March board meeting. As dedicated members, the NMB officers will fulfill their duties and responsibilities by leading the board in accordance with the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996, and the Mango Order.

Mission Produce Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced a year-round mango program. In true Mission form, it will be among the first to incorporate ripening and distribution on a global and national scale through its advanced network.   

The National Mango Board projects the total volume of mangos shipped to the United States over the next two months to be 34 percent higher year-over-year. The 2021 Guatemalan season is expected to be about 40 percent higher year-over-year compared to 2020, which was cut short due to COVID-19.

RCF Distributors LLC reported the sudden loss of dear friend, colleague and paramount sales agent Alan Alvarez. Mr. Alvarez died on Saturday, Jan. 30. El Grupo Crespo: RCF Distributors, Crespo Organic Mangoes, Empaque Don Jorge and hundreds of mango industry friends mourn the loss of the Mango King.

Mexico’s mango business is a very bright spot amid freezes and other problems facing North America’s produce industry.

Chris Ciruli, COO, of Ciruli Bros. LLC said, “In the big picture, Mexico’s season began in the early days of January. That is an extremely early start. February continued to have elevated mango volumes versus February 2020.”

Ciruli’s Champagne-brand Ataulfo mangos were first harvested Feb. 12. “We’re crossing the first loads in Pharr, TX, as we speak,” Ciruli said Feb. 16.

Similar to how ripening has impacted the world of avocados, bananas, pears, kiwis and other produce items, it has completely revolutionized the mango industry. The National Mango Board, working alongside produce professionals, has determined that ripening protocols, sometimes called pre-conditioning, have had a positive impact on consumer satisfaction and sales for ripened fruit. “We have seen retailers who have converted to the ripening program sustain increases in volume, said Tammy Wiard, retail marketing manager for the National Mango Board.