Mango exporters overwhelmingly back National Mango Board with highest approval rate in 20 years
Every five years, fresh mango exporters cast their votes to decide if the United States Department of Agriculture’s Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order, along with the National Mango Board (NMB) program, will keep shaping the industry.
This year, an overwhelming 94 percent rallied behind the organization, signaling strong confidence in its direction.
National Mango Board’s 2026 plans
Ramon Ojeda, executive director of the National Mango Board, states this is the highest approval rate in 20 years and credits the strong support to expanded outreach to industry members in the US and abroad.
“I was surprised to learn that some industry members knew about the mango fee but were unaware of the resources available to them,” he explained. “For two years, I traveled extensively to connect with most industry members—and it paid off.”
The US mango industry enjoyed a banner year, with global production and trade on the rise and more Americans than ever reaching for specialty tropical fruits.
The industry's success among US consumers reflects the effectiveness of the NMB, which drives category growth and supports industry members throughout the supply chain.
Ojeda says that next year, the goal is to continue winning over American consumers by promoting mango’s health benefits through promotional efforts and maintaining a strong presence during major mango-eating holidays.
“We do believe we’re on the right track,” he explained. “With all the research that we have done over the years, 2026 will be yet another year where we heavily market the nutritional benefits of consuming mangos to the consumers.”
A new NMB initiative will equip retailers with special portable bins, making it easier to keep mangos front and center in the produce aisle and always within reach for shoppers.
Mangos’ year-round quality consistency target
Ojeda said that, to keep consumers, you must provide year-round, consistent-quality mangos, and maintaining this standard is the industry’s main concern this coming year.
“We don’t set quality standards, but we work as much as possible with everyone in the supply chain to train and educate them to bring the best possible mango to a consumer,” the executive explained.
He points out that no matter how much is invested in getting mangos into American homes, shoppers will not return if their first taste is of a lackluster or unripe fruit.
“No matter how much money you throw at the consumer, they’re not likely to repeat that purchase,” he says.
The executive adds that budgeting for the NMB is a careful balancing act, as a significant portion of the funds goes toward educating buyers about mangos and helping them choose the best fruit in the year ahead.
“The main game here is to always be creative in finding additional ways to have a strong presence at the point of sale,” Ojeda says. “All while at the same time working with our industry to guarantee a good quality fruit and a steady supply of fruit throughout the year.”
*All images courtesy of the National Mango Board
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