The effects of El Niño mean the United States is in for lower than usual mango supplies in March, but record volumes are expected in the months that follow as the Mexican season gathers momentum.

These are the projections of the National Mango Board, which says the unseasonably low volumes are set to continue through the end of the month.

In addition to the impact of an El Niño event in Peru from Jan. 29-31, a very rainy period in October and November in Mexico affected flowering trees, reducing fruit set and delaying the next stage of flowering.

"Fruit quality was also affected in some of the regions that are now being harvested," the board said.

"Due to the lower than normal volumes and quality that is currently being harvested, a significant amount of this crop is being consumed by Mexico's domestic market.

"However, these same October/November rains stimulated a delayed but robust second flowering which has an extremely high fruit set and will be ready for harvest beginning in April."

In summary, what this means is that while Mexico's export crop is delayed, the NMB says overall volume is projected to hit record levels from April through July.

"The Guatemalan crop is also delayed and projected to have a concurrent peak in April/May," the NMB said.

"Retailers are encouraged to plan big promotions starting in mid-April based on the increased Mexican and Guatemalan mango volume that is currently projected."

Also of note is the fact Ataulfo is set to be the dominant variety this week with 55% of the volume, however the majority is set to shift to red varieties over the coming weeks before they reach 65% in the week of April 10.

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