Overview
Vietnam's mango has an annual output of about 900,000 tonnes, one of the largest production scales even in Southeast Asia. A variety of cultivars are grown, including Cat Chu, Cat Hoa Loc, and Australian mango. Sweet and richly aromatic, Vietnamese mangoes are gaining popularity not only for domestic consumption but also for export.
Growing regions and areas
The main mango producing areas are Son La province(in the north) and Dong Thap Province、Mekong Delta region (in the south). Mangoes from Son La Province are grown in a high-altitude environment and have an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Mangoes from the Mekong Delta are large with thick flesh, and the Cat Hoa Loc variety is especially famous.
Cultivation methods and harvest season
The mango harvest peaks from April to July. The first fruiting comes four to five years after planting, and full yields are reached after eight to ten years. Drying treatment to promote flower-bud differentiation and flower-induction technology using pacifromin treatment have become widespread. To maintain post-harvest quality, the introduction of hot-water treatment and pre-cooling technology is advancing.
Exports and market trends
The main export destinations for Vietnamese mango are China, South Korea, and Russia. Annual export value is about US$200 million and is on an upward trend. In recent years, exports of processed products such as frozen mango and dried mango have also been expanding. The share of shipments from GlobalGAP- and VietGAP-certified orchards is also increasing, and standardization of quality is advancing.
Connections with Japan
Vietnamese mango was approved for fresh import to Japan in 2015. Products that clear plant quarantine conditions through vapor heat treatment are imported. Awareness in the Japanese market is gradually rising, and it is drawing attention as an option alongside Philippine and Thai mangoes. Imports of processed products (frozen, dried) are larger in volume and are used as ingredients for confectionery and beverages.
