Tom Argyros, who has been in the mango business for many years, has never seen a situation like this.

“People talk up the Ataulfo every year but it never quite lives up to expectations,” Mr. Argyros said. “But this year, I am feeling it. This could be the watershed year for the Ataulfo. Retailers who typically only order a pallet or two at a time are lining up straight loads for March.”

Splendid Products LLC in Burlingame, CA, expects a 10 percent increase in mango volume from the southern growing districts of Mexico, which are currently in production, and an even greater increase as the harvest moves north into the state of Sinaloa later in the season.

“We should be up at least 15 percent over last year in Sinaloa,” said Larry Nienkerk, owner and general manager of the firm. “Of course, last year, the northern districts had weather problems and so volume was down some.”

Gary Clevenger of Freska Produce.

When by all accounts, you are one of the top few importers of mangos in the United States, m

Isabel Freeland and Pedro Zamudio, a buyer for the firm, visiting a Mexican mango farm recently.

For the first time,

Tom Argyros

In the middle of 2011, L&M Cos. Inc.