South American Imports: Grape Volume is Lagging, While Mangoes are Up

South American Imports:  Grape Volume is Lagging, While Mangoes are Up

IMG_5315+1Unfavorable Chilean weather has resulted in arrivals of grapes being well behind a year ago, while favorable weather has increased arrivals of mangoes from Peru and Ecuador.

Chilean table grape arrivals on the East Coast have been well below the year-to-date arrivals from a year ago, which had itself suffered from a short supply of early season grapes.  Usually, there are late domestic supplies from California and Peruvian product to lessen demand for light volume early arrivals from Chile.   However, California wrapped up shipments early this season and Peruvian seedless grape inventory on the US East Coast is depleted.

Imported Chilean table grape arrivals on the East Coast will be nearly 50 percent lower than last year through the same date.   This has resulted in only 2.6 million cases of Chilean table grapes  arriving the first two weeks of the season.  More steady arrivals and heavier volume will occur in February.

Mango Imports

Both Peru and Ecuador are shipping higher volumes of mangoes than projected due to favorable weather conditions.  Peak mango shipments (imports) from Peru mangoes will continue arriving at U.S. ports though January.

Mangos are available in the US year-round and imported from four other countries besides Peru and Ecuador:
  • Mexico has the largest mango season, starting at the end of January and continuing through September.
  • Guatemala’s season starts in March and extends until May, sometimes early June.
  • Haiti supplies mangos from April until July.
  • Brazil’s season lasts from August through November.