Compared to last year, we expect to market more volumes at lower prices

"The first Senegalese mangoes of this season will soon be harvested and the first export batches are expected to be loaded between June 15 and 20," said Papa Alioune Dieng of International Agro-Business, based in Hamburg, Germany. The mango importer advises and supplies well-known fruit importers in Germany as well as the Netherlands and offers its business partners both ship and air cargo, depending on their needs.

Kent is by far the main variety in Senegalese cultivation, while Keith has more of a supplementary character. Dieng: "The signs are good and we expect to be able to export more quantities to Europe this year. The advantage is precisely that there are only a few countries represented on the export market in the period between June and August, apart from Senegal."

 Marketable flown in mangoes for the European market.

Nevertheless, the past marketing season was rather disappointing, Dieng sums up. "Due to disease infestation, there has been a relatively large amount of rejects in mango imports from West Africa. However, we got off lightly by having our goods accepted for the most part." The difficult situation has also led to relatively high market prices, he adds. "So despite inflation and increased consumer prices in the EU, we expect quotations to be slightly below last year's level. In addition, the situation with regard to freight prices and fruit logistics has also recovered to some extent compared to last year."

Taking a longer-term view, Dieng said Senegal's export sector is in a good position. "Senegal has established itself as a reliable export country in recent years, and I undoubtedly see further growth potential. Other agricultural products, such as Charentais melons, bush beans and Cashes nuts, are now being exported, with mangoes being by far the most important export item on a proportional basis," concludes Dieng (pictured below).

Images: Papa Alioune Dieng / International Agro-Business

Further information:
Papa Alioune Dieng
International Agro-Business
Lohkampstr. 37b
22523 Hamburg
+49 176 27 885 639
papidien@yahoo.fr