Keith and Tommy Atkins are the two most exported Dominican mango varieties, according to a report in Hoy. The most popular local variety is the Banilejo, but its thin skin makes it less durable for export. June, July and August are the peak mango production months, with supermarkets offering specials on the popular summer fruit. Mango exports topped US$11 million for the first time in 2013, up from US$8 million in 2003. Principal export markets are the US and Canada, the UK, Holland, Germany, Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Guadeloupe, Netherlands Antilles, St. Martin, Martinique, Turks & Caicos and Haiti.
Most of the country’s mangos are cultivated in the provinces of Peravia (Bani), San Cristobal and Azua. This is the best time of the year to plan a trip to the southwest and pick up delicious Banilejo mangos that sell for RD$50 for a dozen or RD$40 for two dozen or more.
Last week, Expo Mango 2014 took place at the Central Park in Bani to showcase the seasonal crop.