The current El Niño Southern Oscillation, commonly referred to as ENSO, weather cycle of warm and cold temperatures is taking a toll on many fresh produce categories, including mangos.

On Feb. 19, Ronnie Cohen, vice president of sales for Vision Import Group in River Edge, NJ, and a partner in the Vision Cos., told The Produce News that the first shipment of mangos from Mexico had just arrived.

“The start of the Mexican movement marks the end of our Peruvian mango season,” explained Cohen. “El Niño continues to present a challenge to harvest schedules. The system has changed the historical bloom on the trees, which in turn affects harvest and yields. Navigating this year has been more difficult to project compared to normal years.”

The Vision Cos. is comprised of both Vision Import Group and Vision Produce Co., headquartered in Los Angeles. Both market the “Van Gogh” brand mango, as well as “Mojito,” “Havana” and “Mr. Squeeze” lime labels. Vision Produce Co. also distributes limes under the “Bonito,” “Logger” and “Tropic Star” brands in the western United States.

Bill Vogel serves as president and chief executive officer of Vision Produce Co. He partners with Cohen and Raul Millan, executive vice president of Vision Import Group, in forming the umbrella. It is a leading grower, importer and marketer of tropical, Hispanic and conventional produce. Vision Import Group markets to the eastern United States, while Vision Produce Co. markets in the western part of the nation.

Cohen explained that mangos are produced in several states in Mexico, which harvest different varieties at varying times of its season. The company produces Ataulfo, Tommy Atkins and Haden varieties.

“Because of El Niño we are feeling a little dip in harvest production at the moment,” noted Cohen. “It started out with a spurt, but will now decline for about two to three weeks.”

“Come April and into May, however, we will have promotable volumes of mangos, and this will be a great opportunity for retailers to grab their crystal balls and do some strong promotions,” he added. “In the meantime, this little vacuum will keep the market quite high, and it will stay that way until volumes are stronger.”

Cohen also announced a new hire, Matthew Clark, who recently joined the firm as executive vice president and general manager. Prior to joining the Vision Cos., Clark served as general manager of Eco-Farms in Temecula, CA. He has vast experience in international procurement development, operations and full profit and loss responsibilities. He is also multi-lingual, which will contribute to the company reaching new levels. Clark will be based in Los Angeles.

“With our recent strong growth in sales, imports and grower direct programs, we were real happy to find someone with Matt’s qualifications,” said Vogel. “He is the right person for the right time.”

Clark noted, “What impressed me the most about the Vision Cos. was the fine group of people that Bill is working with. I look forward to working closely with everyone at Vision to help the company reach its maximum potential.”