Mango Mania! Sugar Mango miniature mangos featured in Produce Business Magazine
King of fruits’ sweeping competition aside.
Originally printed in the May 2024 issue of Produce Business.
In recent years, mangos have been on a journey in the U.S., a journey that has taken them from being seen as a specialty tropical fruit to a mainstream commodity.
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, 573,792 tons of fresh mangos were imported into the country in 2022, over 65% of which originated from Mexico. This compares to 538,721 tons in 2020, or a 6.5% rise.
With mango imports continuing their upward trend, there is a real opportunity for retailers to maximize sales potential.
Mangos, of course, come in a range of different varieties, which vary in size, color, texture, and sweetness-acidity balance, from the hugely popular Ataulfo, also known as Honey mango, to Tommy Atkins, Haden, Kent, Keitt, and more.
THINKING SMALL, BUT BIG
A more recent player to enter the mango industry is Goldenberry Farms. The Miami, FL-based company entered the business in a novel way — as a social impact investment project. The firm’s beginnings can be traced back to an investor’s summit in Bogota, Colombia, in 2019 where founder Chris Palumbo saw an opportunity to “make an impact.”
In the years since Goldenberry has expanded from its first berry farm in Colombia to also producing mangos.
“We look for products that are unique and interesting for consumers,” says Palumbo.
This is the thinking behind Goldenberry’s line of miniature mangos, which takes the Azucar and Mini Irwin varieties and markets them under the company’s “Sugar Mangos” brand.
“We knew the product was unique, so we coordinated with the USDA and the Colombian government to create the first important exports of these products to the U.S.,” says Palumbo.
Available in Canada since 2021 and in the U.S. since 2023, Goldenberry’s mini mangos compete from March through July during peak mango import season but are differentiated by their size and marketing as a premium product.
Embracing the Future of Tropical Fruit Consumption
The surge in tropical fruit consumption in the US is more than just a passing trend; it marks a significant shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics. As Americans increasingly seek out unique and nutritious options, tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and dragon fruits have become mainstream choices. This growing demand presents vast opportunities for retailers, importers, and sustainable growers like Goldenberry Farms.
Several factors have driven this increase, including higher disposable incomes, greater ethnic diversity, and a heightened awareness of health benefits. Tropical fruits are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the influence of cultural cuisines has introduced a wider variety of exotic fruits to the American palate, further fueling this trend.
Retailers can capitalize on this momentum by diversifying their product offerings and emphasizing the unique benefits of tropical fruits. Attractive in-store displays, educational marketing campaigns, and collaborations with influencers can enhance consumer interest and drive sales. Highlighting the ethical sourcing and sustainable farming practices of suppliers like Goldenberry Farms can also resonate with today's discerning consumers who prioritize transparency and sustainability.
We encourage you to stay informed and engaged with the latest trends in tropical fruit consumption. Visit Goldenberry Farms for more insights and to explore our range of high-quality, sustainably grown tropical fruits.
Where Good Things Grow.
Goldenberry Farms is a grower, packer, and leading exporter of high-quality tropical fruit, as well as the owner of various IP, shelf life technologies, and commercial trade brands. The company has growing regions near both Medellin and Bogota Colombia, Ecuador, and the Caribbean, exporting via air and sea to distributors and retailers in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Goldenberry Farms is known for its “Where Good Things Grow” approach to regenerative farming, which focuses on soil health to commercially grow fruit naturally with a longer shelf life and ideal taste profile. Goldenberry Farms has been designated a “ZOMAC” company, for its commitment to rebuilding communities and areas with the development of sustainable tropical fruit and produce and was recently featured in Forbes Top 30 brands for 2024.
