EXPORT PROSPECTS FOR AUSTRALIAN MANGOES

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1978 there were approximately 55 000 mango trees planted in commercial orchards and production was estimated at 1 400 tonne. By 1985 tree numbers had grown to 331 000 and production had doubled to 2 800 tonne. This production figure seems unreasonably low and was more like 4 000 tonne according to industry sources.

Since 1985 various climatic factors have always reduced the potential size of the national crop, so that the huge anticipated increase in production, has never actually occurred. Production in Australia in 1988/89 was approximately 11 000 tonnes and is not expected to increase in 1989/90 because of the cyclone. Long term forecasts are for production levels of 30 000 to 35 000 tonnes from the 600 000 mango trees that are now in the ground.

As production levels have increased growers have looked to extend the season. Mangoes are now grown in the Northern Territory, along the Queensland coast at Townsville, Ayr, Bowen, and Bundaberg, on the Atherton Tablelands, around Brisbane and through to northern New South Wales. Mangoes are also grown in Western Australia and those at Gin Gin north of Perth extend the season through to early April.

As harvesting commences in the Northern Territory in late September, the Australian mango season is almost six months in duration with large quantities available for 12 – 16 weeks.

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