Freska Produce International's Gary Clevenger Details the Latest on Mango Opportunities at Retail and How to Drive Growth

Sweet, vibrant, and irresistibly versatile, premium mangos aren’t just a fruit—they’re an opportunity to drive sales and customer loyalty. Just ask Gary Clevenger, Managing Partner, Freska Produce International. With a career steeped in category differentiation, Gary joins me to discuss movement and supply within the segment and what we can expect as the summer moves toward September.

“The mango season is moving along, and overall volume has been solid compared to past years. Mexico has carried the bulk of supply through the summer, and quality on late-season fruit like Keitt and Kent has been good,” Gary begins. “Timing has been a little smoother this year with less weather disruption, which has helped keep fruit moving at a steady pace.”

With August wrapping up, Mexico is starting to wind down, and Brazil is stepping in with fruit that will run into the fall for Freska. As Gary educates me, Ecuador will follow in October, and Peru will come later, although early signs indicate a lighter crop in Peru this year.

“These regional shifts bring some ups and downs with availability and pricing. When Mexico finishes, we could see things tighten up before Ecuador really gets going, which usually means stronger pricing for a stretch,” Gary explains. “On the challenges side, growers and shippers are dealing with the usual mix of weather, logistics, and labor. The 50 percent tariff on Brazilian mangos this month has added another wrinkle, raising costs and forcing some tough choices on where that fruit is headed. Logistics have been manageable but always competitive for refrigerated trucks and vessel space this time of year.”

To keep quality consistent, shippers are staying on top of temperature control and ripeness specs, making sure the fruit tastes good for the customer.

With such great quality and supply fueling consistent support for mango destinations, there are huge opportunities for retailers.

“A strong program should mix a round variety like Keitt or Kent with a yellow Ataulfos when available, so shoppers see the options,” Gary details. “Having ripened fruit on the shelf is key—it builds trust and drives repeat sales. Secondary displays work, too—pair mangos with limes, Tajín, or even yogurt and salsa kits. Little touches like that move volume.”

For a mango program at retail, the piece of the puzzle often overlooked is communication. As Gary describes, clear signage helps—“ripe now” or “ready tomorrow” gives shoppers confidence.

“A quick tip like ‘leave on the counter until slightly soft, then refrigerate,’ keeps the experience positive at home. Recipe cards, QR codes, or even simple shelf talkers go a long way, and don’t forget to remind people about the nutrition benefits—mangos are high in vitamin C and fiber,” Gary reminds me. “At the end of the day, mangos are a growth category if handled right. The supply picture is constantly changing, but with good planning, retailers can turn seasonal challenges into strong programs that keep shoppers coming back.”