The Potential Market for Improved Varieties of Mangos in Puerto Rican Supermarkets

Abstract

Mangos have a long history in Puerto Rico but traditional varieties offer little if any economic incentive for commercial production. Improved varieties therefore have been introduced to the Island. A matched-lot procedure was employed to determine consumer preferences for different improved varieties of mangos. Of 16 varieties tested, Springfels was the most popular, with Ruby, Irwin, and Davis Haden following. In addition to these four varieties, Edward, Haden, Parvin, Zill, Jacqueline, Early Gold, Kent, and Sensation also were rated rather highly. Julie, Pillsbury, Eldon, and Lippens had little consumer appeal when compared with the other varieties in this market test. The market potential for improved varieties of mangos in Puerto Rican supermarkets was estimated by expanding data gathered in three test supermarkets to all Island supermarkets. In the test stores, 0.0987 pounds of mangos per shopper were sold during a 6-week test period. This multiplier was applied to the estimated total number of Puerto Rican supermarket shoppers, which rendered estimated sales of 47,704 pounds per week at 17 cents per pound.