Introduction

Mangoes are grown by small-scale producers as well as on big plantations. There are over a 1,000 different types of mangoes, but only a few of them are suitable for export or trade. The mango is indigenous to India and is still grown there. The mango is considered sacred in India.

Production chain

Mangoes are grown on small holder farms and on larger plantations. Mangoes must be picked when they have a certain hardness and ripeness, otherwise they do not ripen properly. The best mangoes are selected, checked for quality and diseases, packed and cooled in the storehouse of the exporter before being transported around the world. Once they arrive at their final destination, they are left to ripen for another four to five days before they are put on display in supermarkets and stores.

Problems

Irrigation of mango plantations is a critical issue considering that the mango is typically grown in regions where there is usually a scarcity of water. Export-orientated production makes use of extensive irrigation systems that often exhausts underground water supplies. In countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast, irrigation for mango plantations end up competing with drinking water and irrigation for local food production. The mango sector has the lack of clear and understandable agreements for small farmers and exporters when trading the fruit. Large supermarkets have significant influence over production conditions and the price of mango through their purchasing policy. Supermarkets sometimes change purchasing conditions suddenly or even pay for the goods weeks after delivery leaving small farmers in difficult situations. In addition, long term arrangements and purchase guarantee are not common practice.

Priority issues

In the mango sector, Fairfood International has identified the following priority issues:

Priority issues	Production stage
Corruption	Whole chain
Water Mismanagement and Contamination	Production
Unclear agreements	Whole chain

*Brand Owners are required to cover a minimum number of two out of three of the priority issues.

Solutions

The guide below shows certification schemes whose standards indicate a match with some or all of Fairfood's priority issues for this sector. To learn more about any of the schemes, click on their logo.

Fairtrade	Naturland	Rainforest Alliance	IMO Fair for Life
Production	Production	Production	Production

Did you know...

Mango was described in Hindu writing 4000 years BC as the fruit of the Gods.

Most important export countries

Mexico
India
Brazil
Pakistan
Netherlands

Most important production countries

India
China
Mexico
Pakistan
Thailand