The U.S. National Mango Board (NMB) has revealed that mango retail sales in the third trimester of 2016 were 40% higher year-on-year, with September seeing the greatest increase. 

The promotional organization said this increase was driven by more extensive retail promotions, amid significantly higher mango volumes entering the country from South America over recent months.

Ecuador's mango season began significantly earlier this year, and neighboring Peru is also forecasting a sharp uptick in volumes.

Volumes were 24%, 46% and 85% higher in July, August and September respectively, although the NMB noted there had been a 14% reduction in average retail price over the period.

The largest increases during the quarter were in the West South Central (+67%), West North Central (+63%) and East South Central (+59%) sub-regions.

The tropical fruit also contributed an additional 0.07% of total U.S. retail produce department sales, rising to 0.48%.

In dollar terms, an average of US$254 was spent by consumers on mangos per store per week, against US$211 over the same period last year. Both these figures were higher during the previous quarter, however, at US$300 and US$345 respectively.

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