Mangos play important role at Panorama Produce
Mangos play important role at Panorama Produce
Though mangos have only been part of the product lineup at Panorama Produce Sales Inc. of Mamaroneck, NY, for one-third of its 30-year life, they are a very important part of the company’s business.
The firm was founded by brothers Jeff and Rick Nagelberg and now include Jeff’s son, Eric, who is in charge of the mango program. “We’ve been importing mangos for over 10 years,” he said, “and are continuing to show steady growth.”
This year he projects the company’s mango volume to be up 10-20 percent, depending on all the various factors that influence production. “Brazil is an important segment of our year-round mango program. We started Brazilian mango in mid-August and will have them throughout October and possibly November,” Nagelberg said Sept. 9.
Though quality has been very good so far this season, the Panorama Produce executive said volume from Brazil to the United States is down compared to last year. Nonetheless, he said overall mango volume should be relatively good through the fall months as volume from Brazil increases. Panorama will follow its Brazilian production with Ecuadorian fruit beginning in late October or early November, and Peruvian mangos starting about a month later. “This season a lot depends on the Ecuadorian deal and how quickly they enter into the mix,” he said. “We should have a solid market from mid-September through mid-October and possibly well into November.”
With its New York location, Panorama Produce has a very strong presence in all segments of the industry in the Northeast, including retail, foodservice, processors and wholesalers. But Nagelberg said the firm has customers throughout the United States. “We have a very diversified customer base, which is our goal,” he said.
Besides its many mango deals, Panorama Produce also has a very strong watermelon program and brings in a lot of vegetables and melons from the West Coast to its East Coast customers.