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How
to create wealth from mango processing for Local and
International markets
Mangoes are tropical fruits usually available, like cashew,
between February and June, depending of ecological zones,
regions and varieties of the fruit.
They are rich in fiber, vitamins and other micronutrients. And
in Nigeria, they are cheaper and mostly sold at give-away prices
because industrialization of the product has not been deepened
and direct consumption can hardly mop up the supply during the
harvest periods, forcing the farmers to sell cheaply.
In Nigeria, ranked the world 10th largest producer, about
800,000 metric tonnes of the fruit are produced yearly,
contributing about 3% to the world total production.
400 stands of mango trees planted in one hectare of land can
generate about NN2m naira per season. The improved seedlings,
mangoes could mature and yield fruits before three years.
Of about eight varieties of mango available in Nigeria, the most
widely acceptable is the sweet and aromatic Ogbomosho/Enugu
type. The skin colour of the variety is usually bright yellow
with orange and red blush, and the flesh colour is yellowish,
with an oblong shape.
The flavour is sweet with a hint of spice and the texture could
be firm, soft and juicy as well as fibrous flesh. Green
overtones diminish and the yellow becomes more golden as the
mango ripens. This variety is good for chips and puree.
Reasons to invest in mango value addition
One of the main reasons to consider investments in mango value
addition is to prevent post-harvest losses. Poor value chain
development, low industrialisation and non-availability of
storage devices, as well as inadequate electricity have
contributed to high post-harvest losses of most fruits and
vegetables in Nigeria.
Tomatoes, oranges, leafy vegetables and many other perishable
crops are lost in Nigeria annually because of the above
variables. These products become scarce and therefore
outrageously expensive off seasons. Adding value by processing
into chips is one of the few ways of making mangoes available in
other forms round the year. It is also a way of preventing
massive post-harvest losses in the country.
The number of vegetarians is on the increase, creating an avenue
for sale through supermarkets and specialized outlets. Value
addition, could
make hard-working Nigerians to create wealth for themselves and
the country through foreign exchange earnings. More importantly,
job creation along the value chain is a major consideration to
explore processing mangoes.
Deepening of mango utilization by processing into chips would
stimulate demand for the fruit, forcing its price up and
encouraging intensive cultivation of and investments in mango
plantations until demand and supply are stable and the price
becomes normal.
The situation would facilitate productivity which, in turn,
would create job opportunities from cultivation, plantation
maintenance, harvest, post-harvest management and
marketing/sale.
As a small scale investor, you can be part of this opportunity
by selling these mangoes in small quantity to the real exporter.
You can later gather enough experience to start exporting into
the foreign markets. In Nigeria, big fruits drinks manufacturers
like FUNMAN DRINKS and CHIVITA, irrespective of the fact that
they have their own local mango plantation, they still patronize
local distributors. A single retail outlet or two is not enough
to make your time worthwhile. Look into how buyers work and make
contacts in the larger retail chains if you have retail
merchandise.
Packaging mangoes for export
The mango is harvested half ripe. The fruits are then packed for
export. The necessity is found in the stringent standard
stipulated by international food law on imported food,
especially in Europe and America. However, consumers in the
foreign Countries prefer mangoes that ripen into deep yellow
even when imported with traces of green. Foreign distributors
prefer mangoes weighing between 225grammes and 400grammes.
Preservation: Fruits are enjoyed in their natural freshness, but
to prolong their shelf life, various preservation methods are
available to the exporter. However, the most favored method is
by freezing. The fruits after packaging are frozen to desirable
hardness at appropriate but low temperature. The greatest
advantage of this method is that the fruits retain its original
colors and flavor. It may also be stored for relatively long
periods.
Export mango can also be preserved by a process that entails
washing, inspection and storing either or partially processed
(e.g.: halved, quartered, sliced, destined, pulped, peeled) into
sealed drums, barrels, or other appropriate containers. The
fruits are then mixed with preservatives solutions such as
brine, Sulphur oxide gas (SO2), Sulphur water or other approved
solutions. When stored this way, the mango is preserved for
months. Though the mango may loss its color, its sweet taste is
not affected
Packaging procedure: Packaging is preferred in fiberboard
cartons that weigh minimum of six kilograms net. The mangoes are
better wrapped in tissue paper, packed woodwork or synthetic
fiber packs. These packing and packaging procedures are to check
the possibility of bruise
To ship your products, you need the services of the freight
forwarders: A freight forwarder is a person who takes care of
the important steps of shipping the merchandise. This person
quotes shipping rates, provides routing information, and books
cargo space. Freight forwarders prepare documentation, contract
shipping insurance, route cargo with the lowest customs charges,
and arrange storage. They are valuable to you and you will need
their service to export your mango to the foreign Countries.
They are important in handling the steps from factory to final
destination.
The mode of transportation: You can transport your consignment
by sea. However, to ensure that the export mango reaches its
foreign destination pure and fresh, there is need to transport
it by air. Air freighting is quicker and more flexible. Mango
export to United Kingdom is busiest between the months of May
and September every year
Exporting mango is not challenging. What we need is to get the
right kind of variety that the export market demands. The market
has to be the stimulator for export demand. We have to find out
what is the right kind of variety that the market is asking for.
If we know the right variety, we have to ascertain that we have
that kind in Nigeria. If it is yes, then we can multiply the
production of the seedlings for mango plantations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get started on your dreams! Take
the first step towards making money and living the life you
want. Existing small business owners who want to expand into new
markets can also benefit from this lucrative Mango export
business opportunity
. Our full mentorship guide will allow you to start Mango
exportation immediately
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