The Fifth Edition of the Mango Festival was held this March 24, which seeks to give a space to those who taste and appreciate this fruit, especially the varieties of Tommy Atkins, Ataulfo, Keitt and Kent.
The activity promoted by the Mango Committee of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) took place in the Pasos y Pedales area, Las Américas Avenue, zone 13, and according to the entity about 20 thousand people arrived, surpassing the participation of other editions .
With the participation of various producers and companies, a space was offered for Guatemalan families to taste the quality of this export fruit and for entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to promote their products made from mango such as jellies. , jams, dehydrated mango, slushies and others.
Eddy Martínez, director of the Board of Directors of Agexport, mentioned that the activities and amenities not only promote export mango varieties, but also that attendees learn about the nutritional properties of this fruit.
Apart from the four main varieties mentioned, there are more than 20 varieties of mango planted in the country and it is expected that in the short term they can be tasted in the national market.
Mango production for export comes mostly from the departments of Retalhuleu, Zacapa and Suchitepéquez and has four strategic markets such as the United States, Central America, the European Union and Chile.
Exports of more than 35 million pounds of mango are expected for this year.
Although it is estimated that there could be a decrease of around 10% in the export volume, since in the previous year it was about 40 million pounds, Martínez told Prensa Libre this week.
Meanwhile, in the local market, around 15 million pounds will be offered. Local consumption is growing significantly each year both by the final consumer and by the agribusiness since this sector is buying more product to make mango pulp, pieces, or frozen mango. It is estimated that annual growth is between 4% and 5%, the manager added.
“Festivals like this have had a very interesting impact because mango consumption in Guatemala has increased a lot, fresh and processed mango is having a very important demand throughout the year,” Martínez added.
The main export destinations are the United States, Central America and the European Union, and it is also sent to Chile, while with Agexport they are working on the possibility of opening other markets such as Japan and Korea that have great potential.
Entrepreneurs
Mindy Molina, from the business Amm Flavor to Your Life, participated in the festival with its line of artisanal mango-based products such as: mango sauce with habanero, syrup and jam. And they also have products based on other fruits. This business has been in the national market for two years, and with Agexport’s Exporter Route program it is expected to begin shipping to other countries in the short term, he indicated.
Myriam de Enríquez, from the De la Cocina de Myriam business, said that her business arose six years ago after her husband lost his job, since they told him that he had a very good resume but the problem was his age. So she started making jams, which she brought with her friends, then in a bazaar and other activities and you can now find them in various stores and at events like the festival. The entrepreneur says that her products are 100% natural and only lemon and other materials are used. Jams with liquor and with spices cost Q55, with brown sugar Q45, and without sugar Q50.
René Alejandro Mazo, from the company Un Pastelito GT, said that they promote a sugar free concept, with natural ingredients without artificial colors or preservatives. The idea is to serve those who do not want to consume more sugar, including diabetics, apart from mango products with a balance of flavor and acidity, and its preparation is mousse type. They also have other red fruit and lemon tequila products.
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