The launch of the mango marketing campaign on March 28th is proving particularly complex for Côte d'Ivoire. Between unpredictable weather and geopolitical instability, the leading West African exporter to Europe is navigating turbulent waters.

1. A start hampered by the climate

The pace of harvesting remains modest for the time being. The reason: weather disruptions that occurred at the end of 2025.

1. Climate incident: Early rains in December disrupted the natural cycle of the mango trees.
2. The result: Late flowering and initially low production. Professionals are now placing their hopes on the imminent second harvest .

2. The challenge of costs and logistics

Although the farmgate price has been stabilized at 2,450 FCFA/kg (approximately €3.73), the sector is suffering the full force of international tensions.

1. Impact of the conflict in Iran: Insecurity in the Gulf is having a significant impact on maritime transport. Exporters are reporting freight surcharges of up to €1,000 per container .
2. Threat to profitability: This inflation in logistics costs drastically reduces margins, making the sector vulnerable to the slightest drop in final selling prices.

3. Increased demand in the face of competition

Paradoxically, demand for Ivorian mangoes is rising sharply (+20% to 30%). This pressure is explained by:

1. The regional opportunity: The export ban affecting Mali leaves a void in the European market that Ivory Coast is trying to fill.
2. South American competition: In the "conventional" segment, Brazil and Peru remain formidable rivals thanks to better control of fruit maturity upon arrival.

4. The perennial health challenge

Quality remains the key. The mango fly continues to threaten orchards, only a portion of which have benefited from phytosanitary treatments.

A message from the factories: Vigilance is at its highest level. Sanitary protocols are strictly applied at the entrance to the packaging plants, resulting in the systematic rejection of any batch showing traces of insect damage.

In figures: By 2025, Côte d'Ivoire had exported 40,000 tonnes of fruit to its key partners (France, Belgium, Netherlands). The challenge this year will be to maintain, or even exceed, this volume despite an unfavorable global context.