Mexico is one of the world’s largest producers of mangoes, a major agricultural product. The nation’s diverse climate and extensive cultivation areas allow for a prolonged season of availability. Mexico is the leading global exporter of fresh mangoes, shipping hundreds of thousands of metric tons abroad annually. This robust industry is a significant source of income and employment, connecting Pacific coast orchards to international markets, particularly the United States. The success of Mexican mangoes is tied to specific geographic conditions and the cultivation of several commercially important varieties.
Geographical Distribution and Climate
Mango cultivation is concentrated along Mexico’s Pacific coastline. The season begins in the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, progressing northward through Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco, and Nayarit, and finishing in Sinaloa. This vast geographic spread, covering nearly 220,000 hectares, ensures a continuous supply of fruit throughout much of the year. The necessary environment is characterized by tropical and subtropical conditions, with warm temperatures generally ranging between 70°F and 75°F.
The trees thrive best in deep, well-drained soils, such as light sandy loam, which prevents waterlogging. A distinct dry season is beneficial for stimulating flowering, an important stage for fruit development. Conversely, excessive rainfall during the flowering period can negatively impact yields, a challenge faced in the humid-tropical south. The varying climates across the producing states allow different mango varieties to flourish at different times, contributing to the industry’s sustained output.
Major Mango Varieties of Mexico
Mexico cultivates several types of mangoes, with five varieties dominating the commercial export market. The Ataulfo mango, native to Chiapas, is often marketed as the “Honey” or “Champagne” mango. This fruit is characterized by its small, flattened oblong shape, vibrant yellow skin, and smooth, fiberless flesh that offers a sweet-and-sour flavor. The Ataulfo has a high flesh-to-seed ratio, making it a favorite for fresh consumption.
The Tommy Atkins, Kent, Haden, and Keitt varieties are extensively grown for export, though they originated largely in Florida. These varieties allow Mexico to cater to diverse consumer preferences globally.
Key Export Varieties
- Tommy Atkins is the most widely grown commercial variety due to its durability, long shelf life, and resistance to the hot water treatment required for export. It is medium to large, exhibiting a dark red blush over green and yellow skin, with flesh that has fine fibers.
- The Kent variety is prized for its juicy, tender flesh with limited fibers, displaying a dark green skin often with a red blush.
- The Haden mango is medium to large with fine fibers and an aromatic flavor, presenting a bright red skin with green and yellow accents.
- The Keitt variety is a late-season mango that is notably large and remains green even when ripe, offering a sweet yet tangy, smooth texture.
Harvesting Seasons and Export Significance
Mexico’s mango harvest season typically spans nine months, beginning in late January or early February and concluding in late September. The harvest progression tracks the geography, starting in the southern regions of Oaxaca and Chiapas before moving north and finally wrapping up in the northern areas of Sinaloa. Peak availability for the Mexican mango crop generally occurs between April and August.
The country is the world’s largest exporter of fresh mangoes, with the vast majority destined for the United States. Proximity to this major market provides a competitive advantage, allowing for faster transport and a fresher product supply chain. In a recent year, Mexico exported over 450,000 metric tons, with more than 80% heading to the U.S. market.
Maintaining this international trade relies on strict adherence to phytosanitary standards imposed by importing countries. To mitigate the risk of pests like the Mexican fruit fly, most export mangoes undergo a hot water treatment process. This procedure is monitored by inspectors from organizations like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at certified packing facilities to ensure compliance and market access. This logistical and regulatory framework solidifies Mexico’s position in the global mango supply chain.