As the sun rises over the lush orchards of northern Côte d’Ivoire, anticipation fills the air. The nation is gearing up for its 2025 mango export season, set to officially commence on March 31, 2025, as announced by the Interprofession of the Mango Sector (Inter-Mangue). This year, the country not only aims to maintain its strong export performance but also to revolutionize its mango industry through significant investments in processing infrastructure.
A Legacy of Excellence in Mango Exports
Côte d’Ivoire has long been a powerhouse in the mango export arena. In 2024, the nation achieved a record-breaking export volume of over 40,000 tonnes, solidifying its position as Africa’s leading mango exporter and the third-largest supplier to the European market, following Brazil and Peru. The country’s mangoes, particularly the Kent variety, are highly sought after in Europe, with exports exceeding 30,000 tonnes annually
The 2025 season is poised to continue this upward trajectory. While specific forecasts for harvest and export figures have yet to be disclosed, the sector remains optimistic. Notably, the minimum purchase price for a box of mangoes will remain at 2,450 CFA francs (approximately US$4.07), ensuring stability for producers.
Addressing Post-Harvest Losses Through Processing
Despite impressive export figures, Côte d’Ivoire’s mango industry has faced challenges, particularly concerning post-harvest losses. Alarmingly, up to 40% of mango production is lost after harvest, primarily due to inadequate processing facilities and the perishable nature of the fruit
To combat this issue, the Agricultural Value Chain Development Support Programme (PADFA) has embarked on an ambitious initiative to attract 14 billion CFA francs (approximately US$22.5 million) in private investment. The goal is to establish a state-of-the-art mango processing facility in the northern region of the country. While details regarding the plant’s exact location and production capacity are yet to be finalized, the project’s significance is clear.
Edja Messou, PADFA’s coordinator, emphasized the initiative’s potential impact: “This initiative should contribute to improving the creation of added value through the strengthening of processing capacity within a local industry that is still in its infancy.”
Currently, less than 2% of Côte d’Ivoire’s annual mango production, estimated at 150,000 tonnes, undergoes processing. The majority of the fruit is exported fresh, with limited quantities used for juice and dried mango production. Enhancing processing capabilities is seen as a crucial step toward reducing post-harvest losses and maximizing the economic potential of the mango sector.
Strategic Timing and Market Positioning
The timing of Côte d’Ivoire’s mango season offers a strategic advantage in the global market. The official launch of mango exports to the European market is slated for early April, with the first fruits expected to grace European shelves by April 20
fruitrop.com. This period coincides with a gap between the mango seasons of other major exporters, allowing Côte d’Ivoire to meet the European demand effectively.
Future Prospects
The 2025 mango export season represents more than just the continuation of a successful agricultural tradition for Côte d’Ivoire. It marks a pivotal moment where the nation seeks to transform its mango industry by embracing processing and value addition. By addressing post-harvest losses and investing in infrastructure, Côte d’Ivoire aims to not only bolster its economy but also improve the livelihoods of those involved in the mango supply chain.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Côte d’Ivoire, watching how this West African nation balances its rich legacy of mango cultivation with innovative strides toward a sustainable and prosperous future.
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