Ecuador is gearing up to send mangoes to the Chinese market for the very first time, having finally gained import access earlier this year.

An industry head also said expectations in general for the season that runs from October until January were positive thanks in part to favorable climatic conditions.

Chinese authorities officially granted access on Jan. 28 to the South American country, which has already seen success in China for products including shrimp, bananas, roses and wood.

Speaking to www.freshfruitportal.com, Ecuadorian Mango Foundation president Sergio Cedeño said shipments to the new market would begin as soon as possible after the harvest with airfreight consignments.

The representative said it was too early to give an indication on what volumes might be shipped to China this coming season, but said the association would attend Asia Fruit Logistica being held in Hong Kong in September for talks with Chinese customers.

Cedeño added the country was 'very close' to gaining access to the Japanese an South Korean markets.

The U.S. is currently Ecuador's main mango market, receiving around 85-90% of exports.

As for this coming season, Cedeño was not sure how export volumes would differ from last campaign's 11 million 4-kilo-equivalent boxes, but said that prospects were good.

"Every variety of mango from Ecuador has a fantastic quality, and the country produces average-sized fruit, which is what the market demands," he said.

Ecuador has 5,300 hectares of mango farms, and the main varieties are Tommy Atkins, Keitt and Ataulfo.

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