In Senegal, about 50,000 tonnes of mangoes are lost every year. The harvest arrives within a few weeks, from May to August. The orchards are far from the markets and the price collapses at the moment the fruit is at its best.
TUMIQUI JAPON SASU processes part of this harvest in Sandiara, with the women’s group GIE DIAMI SANDIARA. The fruit is washed, sorted, cut and processed on site, then kept in the solar cold store at Site B. The aim is to sell, all year round and for export, a product that was worth almost nothing under the tree.
Where the project stands
Processing is carried out under a pilot programme of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). A full processing season is being carried out in Sandiara. The products are being promoted in Japan and France. Sample shipments to Japan have begun. The products under development are as follows.
| Product | Intended use |
|---|---|
| Frozen mango purée | Pastry, ice cream, drinks, food industry |
| Dried mango | Fine grocery, snacks |
| Frozen mango pieces | Food service, further processing |
Varieties, packaging and available volumes are given on request.
How quality is built
A one-way workshop. Raw material enters at one end and finished product leaves at the other. Raw fruit and processed product never cross. This rule was set before the machines were chosen.
A cold chain on site. Finished product is stored in the Site B cold room, powered by the sun 24 hours a day, a few minutes from the workshop.
Trained operators. The women of the group have been trained in hygiene practices, temperature control and lot recording. Each lot is recorded, from reception to shipment.
An outside check. Processing training is provided by Okipota, a mango dessert specialist in Okinawa (Royal Entertainment Co., Ltd.). Evaluation on the European market is handled by SUCRECUBE Technologies, the group’s sister company in France.
For buyers
Buyers in Europe and Japan can request samples for evaluation. Please state the product, the intended use and the volumes you have in mind. Commercial terms are provided after sample evaluation.
For growers
Growers and cooperatives around Sandiara who wish to supply fruit during the season are welcome to contact us. Acceptance criteria (variety, ripeness, size) are explained before the campaign.