Post by Trade Coach on Aug 20, 2021 10:17:58 GMT 1
How To Create Wealth Processing Mango For Local and Export Markets In Nigeria
Mangoes (Mangifera indica) are tropical fruits which are native to India and Southeast Asia and have been cultivated for over 4, 000 years.
There are many types of mango, each with its own unique taste, shape and colour. It generally has a large seed in the middle. The mango fruit is not new to most people in Nigeria, many are used to it.
For your information, Kenya has been approved to start exporting mangoes to the European Union (EU) as from September 2021.
The resumption of exports of mango by Kenya to the EU is expected to bring in a revenue of up to USD $ 92 million annually.
This is starting after a self-ban of close to eight years due to fruit flies. The EU has already approved the samples submitted to them for tests.
Mango fruits are very delicious and also have very impressive nutritional values. Studies have linked mango with such nutritional values leading to improved immunity, good digestive system, good eyesight and lower risk of certain cancers.
In Nigeria the fruit is usually available between February and June every year, but you can still find some species during other times of the year.
During the peak period in Nigeria, most of the mangoes harvested are usually sold at give-away prices because of lack of storage and processing facilities. People usually see mangoes as fruits to be consumed locally; they have not seen the fruit being processed before.
This is the reason why you must pay attention so that you can understand the processing methods and thereby creating massive wealth for yourself and the country through mango business.
Statistics have it that India is the largest producer of mango in the world; it is currently producing some 22 million metric tonnes of mango annually. This is really some quantity as evidenced by the distant second place occupied by China with about 5 million metric tonnes yearly.
Incidentally, Nigeria is occupying a distant 11th position with a production capacity of some 950,000 metric tonnes annually.
Though there are many varieties of mango in Nigeria but only 8 (eight) types are always seen in the markets during the peak season, and they are as follows:
What is referred to as Normal Mango (Ogbomosho/Enugu) species
German Mango
Kerosene Mango
Julie Mango
Sheri Mango
Cotonou Mango
Benue Mango
Peter/Jane/Binta Sugar Mango
Of all the varieties of mango available in Nigeria, the specie that is mostly acceptable is the Ogbomosho/Enugu variety.
It is sweet and aromatic with bright yellow skin colour mixed with orange and red blush, the colour of the flesh is yellowish with an oblong shape.
The flavour is sweet and the texture could be firm, soft and juicy. It has a fibrous flesh, and the green overtones diminish and it becomes more golden as the mangoes begin to ripen.
Let us look at the nutrients that mangoes are packed with before continuing with our analysis:
Mango is low in calories but is filled with nutrients.
With about 165 gram of sliced mango, you are provided with the following:
Calories: 99
Protein: 1.4 grams
Carbohydrates: 24.7 grams
Fat: 0.6 grams
Dietary Fibre: 2.6 grams
Vitamin C: 67% of the RDI (reference Daily Intake)
Copper: 20% of RDI
Folate: 18% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 11.6% of the RDI
Vitamin A: 10% of the RDI
Vitamin E: 9.7% of the RDI
Vitamin B5: 6.5% of the RDI
Vitamin K: 6% of the RDI
Niacin: 7% of the RDI
Potassium: 6% of the RDI
Riboflavin: 5% of the RDI
Manganese: 4.5% of the RDI
Thiamine: 4% of the RDI
Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
Mango also contains some little amounts of phosphorus, pantothenic acid, calcium, selenium and iron.
Mangoes have a short shelf life, and that is the reason why most of the harvested fruits get bad before getting to the market. That is why locals consume them fresh as they have no idea that the fruit can be processed to increase the shelf life and more value added.
This is one of the main reasons why you should get into the business of processing mango in order to increase the shelf life and increase more opportunities to create massive wealth in the industry.
When technological tools and other mechanization materials are employed in the value chain of the mango industry it will deepen the utilization of mango and prevent losses that have been bedeviling the industry for ages.
Stay with us as we shall be delving into the processing techniques of mangoes for both local use and exports.
Don’t forget that Kenya is ranked 13th in the world producers of mangoes while Nigeria is currently number 11 in the ranking.