Sun World’s extra-long mango program continues with ultra late-season variety, Blyde Late

Global fruit genetics leader Sun World International is extending its newly launched global mango program, showcasing its extremely late-maturing mango variety, Blyde Late. Grown in South Africa, the cultivar remains in market into May, as traditional varieties begin to taper off. 

The company’s extra-long season is the result of a concerted effort by Sun World’s growers, marketers, and industry partners. From early-season varieties like Kankun, Lady Jane, and Sumango2 to the ultra-late-season performer, the first year was designed to showcase the portfolio across global markets while establishing partnerships around long-term opportunities. 

“Blyde Late is a powerful example of what this program is built to do,” said Bernardo Calvo, President and CEO of Sun World International. “It allows our partners to stay in the market longer, even when others are already out. That’s a meaningful shift, and it reflects our broader goal of creating a more consistent, reliable mango category through innovation.”

Sun World’s mango program: A brand-new experience

Sun World’s mango program is designed to address market opportunities in the category, where legacy varieties continue to dominate global supply despite inconsistent eating quality and high retail shrinkage. 

The company’s breeding strategy prioritizes flavor, appearance, shelf life, and long seasonality paired with high productivity.

Blyde Late exemplifies that approach. As an extremely late-maturing variety with strong yield potential, excellent fruit size, and high sugar content. At full maturity, Blyde Late extends the mango season well beyond traditional windows, offering retailers and marketers new opportunities to maintain momentum in the category. 

“It’s not just about having great fruit but having great quality for an extended period of time,” said Gerardo Lugo, Chief Commercial Officer at Sun World. “With Blyde Late, we’re helping our partners capture value in a part of the season that historically has been underserved. That’s where real commercial advantage starts to take shape.”

Within its mango program, Sun World is collaborating with Mission Produce, strengthening the company’s ability to scale its category portfolio through an established global sourcing and distribution platform. 

“We’re building a program that connects breeding, commercialization, and global partnerships in a way that hasn’t been done before in mangoes,” said Calvo. “And we’re doing it with a clear focus: delivering better fruit, more consistently, across the entire season.”

*All images are referential.

Related stories

Sun World strengthens global branded fruit programs with new licensees

Sun World and Mission Produce team up to reshape the future of mango supply