OXNARD, CA - As one of the most popular fruit categories in the world, the coveted mango is continuing to impact produce department sales as both demand ramps up and the consumer palate evolves. Tapping into the mango love as we move into fall, is Freska Produce, which sources the freshest mangos from across the globe to bring retail partners a sought-after program 365 days a year.

With PMA Fresh Summit 2017 just weeks away, Managing Principal Gary Clevenger takes a moment to share the latest and greatest with me, and how customers can take advantage of both timing and supplies to ensure mango success...the entire year-round.

"Currently we are getting started on our mango program in Ecuador and have already begun packing Ataulfos with red varieties like Tommy Atkins and Hadens on the horizon," Gary tells me, adding that Freska will be receiving most containers in Oxnard, California, and also in Vineland, New Jersey. "Production this year should increase a bit compared to last year and the quality on the first Ataulfos already looks great. Ecuador prices are expected to be good with promotable volume coming in late October and early November, and continuing through early January when Peru will pick up. That will take us into late March with Kent varieties.”

In addition, Peru is expecting more volume than last year, creating a range of opportunities as we move through 2018. As we look to the remainder of October, Gary adds that retailers should run ads, establish large corner displays, and have them showcased front and center to draw consumer traffic in and through the produce department.

"In-store demos can help provide opportunities for consumers who have never experienced a mango before, to give it a try. And for those consumers who may only know one or two varieties, these tastings introduce the range of varieties we offer. Only one in three U.S. consumers have ever tried a mango,” Gary says. "Per capita consumption has doubled over the past few years. It’s the most eaten fruit in the world, and the U.S. has huge growth potential."

Freska can also supply its partners with POS materials and bins to display their mango programs and suggests offering different stages of mango ripeness to help the promotion. Mangos are a great way to add flavor to most any dish and give it that sweet tropical feel.

Freska will continue to ship the company’s clamshell Ataulfos, its master box of 8/6 lb boxes within a master box, as well as Freska’s traditional 10 lb. box with capability to bag as well.

Looking for more mango opportunities as we move through 2017 and into 2018? Stop by Freska’s PMA Fresh Summit booth #3671 and talk the passionate and knowledgeable team.

Freska