Colombian mangoes entered the United States for the first time after gaining access from APHIS in late December 2022. At that time, it was the moth variety that entered the North American territory; However, in recent times, a new type of Colombian mango has arrived on many shelves throughout the United States: the Chinese mango, a variety of juicy and extra-sweet fruit, with a flavor that is still unknown to the local palate.
Significantly, in the US, mango consumption has skyrocketed in recent years. According to the USDA, the United States registered a 37% increase in mango purchases from 2018 to 2022. The most common varieties of mango found throughout the Americas come from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. “And unless alternative cultivation and harvesting times are adopted, as well as larger plantations using hot water treatment facilities, Colombia will have to compete with common red mangoes of other origins,” explained Nick. Bernal, director of import company Seasons Farm Fresh.
However, the story is different if we talk about the Sugar Baby Mango, as it is exclusive to the Colombian region. Colombian exotic fruits have an excellent opportunity to integrate into the US supply network. “And especially rare varieties, such as Sugar Baby mangoes, could be a game changer,” says Bernal, whose customers range from wholesalers to supermarkets and food services.
Not only the type of handle is unique. Colombia’s strategic location, with port connectivity on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, makes buyers eager to explore the market. Bernal commented that his company is looking for more Colombian suppliers because “the country is poised to become an important player in the US market. In addition, it has good labor costs and a favorable climate for growing crops year-round, which is very profitable.” It’s just charming.”
Colombia has made important achievements in the diversification of its agricultural offer, as it has 108 new products with the green light to enter the United States. These include bell peppers, Hass avocados, goldenberries, cranberries, tangerines, oranges, pineapples, Tahitian limes and fresh herbs, produced in various corners of the country.
“One of the objectives of our government is that the regions lead the internationalization of new products, companies, associations and groups. With achievements like this, we aspire to that objective. Productive regions to know their export potential internationalization process”, said German Umana Mendoza, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia.
This shipment was possible “thanks to the efforts of the manufacturer Colfruita, who complied with all market requirements and inter-institutional work in sanitary and commercial matters. As a result, Sugar Baby will delight the common American palate,” said Carmen Caballero, ProColombia. Chairman, Publicity Agency of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.
Colefrutta, the local producer of this mango variety, was established in the north of Magdalena, a department in the Colombian Greater Caribbean. Since 2015, it has shipped mangoes to Europe and Canada and thanks to overseas trade, it employs 60 families, mostly from rural communities once affected by armed conflict. Antonio Acosta, Colfrutta’s export director, said, “Export has given us the possibility to directly and indirectly help families that would not normally have a job, all thanks to the Magdalena mango that we have introduced to the rest of the world. made famous.”
“We celebrate the success of exporting Sugar Baby mangoes to the United States. This milestone has a positive and important impact for growers in the Cordobita region in Magdalena Department and opens up new commercial opportunities for us in the United States. represents.” the creator. in the rest of the country,” said Luis Gilberto Murillo, Colombia’s ambassador to the United States.
