Australian growers are taking a "realistic" approach to the recent opening of U.S. market access but are excited for their prospects after eight years of negotiations.

Australian Mango Industry Association industry development manager Trevor Dunmall told www.freshfruitportal.com the U.S. market application had been a priority for growers for a long time, with an underlying belief that consumers across the Pacific would enjoy the Australian fruit's unique flavors.

"Gaining market access to the U.S.A. is an exciting event for the Australian mango industry. We regularly receive enquiries from consumers in the U.S. who have tasted Australian mangoes and want to know where they can get them," Dunmall said.

"It's been disappointing up to now to tell them we cannot supply, but with this news, we are one step closer to having Australian mangoes available in the U.S.

"We anticipate the main period for trade would be the period leading up to Christmas and the post-Christmas period; most likely November to January, with the possibility of some volume outside this period."

At the time of writing, Dunmall was yet to see the final protocol but had a "reasonable understanding" of what it would entail.

"With many new protocols there are often some issues that may take time to sort through, but we understand the U.S.'s tight phytosanitary regime. We see this as an opportunity to work together as an industry to address any issues and develop solutions," he said.

"We appreciate the work that both the Australian Government staff in DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) and the U.S. APHIS (Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) staff have put into this protocol development."

"The potential costs involved in export will be a challenge, and we face these types of challenges in other markets. While costs impact significantly on trade volumes, now we have access, we can start working on these issues."

He added that APHIS' forecast of 1,200 metric tons (MT) of annual Australian mango imports was possible.

"We will need to see the final protocol and work plan developed first, but when Americans find out how great Australian mangoes are, this could be a realistic target.

"The target may take time and resources to achieve and we will need to provide support to ensure we reach the potential we believe Australian mangoes have."

Related story: Australian mango exporters gain U.S. access

Photo: Perfection Fresh

www.freshfruitportal.com