Mini-mangos to debut in U.S. market in March

Colombia’s Sugar Mango Association is preparing for the first entry into the U.S. market, with arrivals beginning the second week of March.

Preparations for entry to the U.S. market have been under way for several years, and consumers will finally get their first taste of this sweet, pocket-sized mango with a full marketing and social media campaign titled, “We’re Small, Sweet, and Easy to Eat.”

These naturally grown “pocket mangos” easily fit in the palm of a hand, and are unique due to their ability to be eaten with their skin, making them an ideal treat for kids or anytime snacking.

Sweet Sugar Mangos have red and yellow, fragrant flesh with a sweet juicy taste and a Brix level of 22. Unlike many other exotic mangos, sweet Sugar Mangos do not have a fibrous taste. These miniature mangos are grown naturally, non-GMO, and have a peak harvest season of April through August, with initial imports beginning in March.

Sugar Mangos are exclusively grown in Colombia’s tropical Caribbean coast, close to Santa Marta. The tropical trade winds and unique soil create an ideal microclimate for this specialty fruit, with an edible skin that is much thinner than traditional mangos. The fruit is highlighted for its extreme popularity in the region, known generically as “Mango de Azucar.”

Unlike the generic tree fruit, Sugar Mangos undergo a proprietary pre-harvest and cultivation method, with an immediate cool chain, and a patented, food-safe wash applied post-harvest to condition the fruit well for travel and the best possible taste and shelf life.

The Sugar Mango Association is the manager of the Sugar Mango trademarks at origin and globally. The association and program are open to qualified growers, distributors, exporters, and importers via license.

The variety and brand are trademarked at origin in Colombia, as well as in various international markets, including the United States.

“As with other extremely successful branded fruit programs, Sugar Mangos are designed to deliver a special and unique taste experience to the consumer, and to allow growers, distributors, exporters and importers to align in a more precise way to ensure a consistent and quality taste experience,” said Nicolas Mairon, development director for Sugar Mangos brand and licensing programs. “We have been working for several years with family farmers to prepare this product for export, and for the high expectations of consumers in the North American and European markets. Sugar Mango is lucky to count some of the top regional growers, exporters, and importers as part of our brand.”