Aussies are being warned of a mango shortage this spring and summer, with low availability of the tropical fruit predicted to send the prices skyrocketing, despite being in season.
The news is sure to burn holes in the pockets of many mango-loving Aussies who are already struggling with the cost of living crisis and will have to decide if this fruit favourite is worth the inflated price point.
WATCH NOW: What to do with excess mango. Article continues after video.
The low supply and rising cost are a direct result of the unusually warm weather Queensland mango farmers have been experiencing in recent months.
Roughly 40% of Australian mangoes are grown in the Sunshine State, with approximately 22,000 tonnes grown and harvested each season according to the Queensland Government.
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Given mangoes require cool and dry conditions to thrive, the soaring winter temperatures have put a dampener on things, with a huge chunk of these mangoes unable to be harvested for consumption by farmers.
It’s not all bad news, however, with leading supermarket retailers confirming they will still have an adequate level of stock on hand for eager shoppers.
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“The overall volume of mangoes is expected to be less than last year due to adverse weather in some growing regions, however, we are ahead of schedule in rolling out produce this season and there will be plenty for customers in the lead-up to Christmas,” a spokesperson for Woolworths said.
Their counterpart Coles shared the same sentiment.
“Due to a warmer winter, our mango growers have seen lower flowering at this point of the year than usual. However, it’s too early to forecast if we will see a smaller volume of mangoes for the festive season.”
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“As with all fresh produce, strong harvest volumes rely on optimal growing conditions which is in the hands of mother nature.”
There is no word yet on how the mangoes grown in both Western Australia and the Northern Territory have faired with the hotter weather conditions.
