Some Katherine mango growers were among a group of growers who promoted their wares at Sydney on the weekend.
The Northern Territory and North Queensland growers participated in the nation’s iconic beachside celebration of all things mango – Mango Mess-tival.
Now in its fifth year, the event attracted more than 10,000 people, all keen to participate in activities such as mango eating competitions, mango variety taste-testing, and making mango smoothies using a novelty bike.
Funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using mango industry levies, Mango Mess-tival gives the general public an opportunity to converse with the growers, putting a friendly face behind the mangoes they will eat over the summer.
Mess-tival was a one day festival featuring mango growers from around the country, mango sampling, giveaways, and a sausage sizzle.
North Bondi Nippers, one of the largest Nipper programs in the country, will welcome in the new season and compete for a slice of glory in mango-based challenges, including mango relay races and mango eating competitions against the public.
Marketing general manager David Moore said the event was one facet of Horticulture Innovation Australia’s $600,000 industry-backed 2016 mango marketing program.
“The mango industry is incredibly innovative when it comes to marketing. Popular food bloggers and health influencers are helping us spread the word that mangoes are in season and mango recipes have never been more popular on social media,” he said.
“And Mango Mess-tival is great. It has become a staple of the Sydney community, as it marks the start of summer and highlights that the mango season is in full swing. It also brings the general public and growers together to celebrate a mutual love – mangoes.
“This event is also an excellent platform from which to showcase major Aussie mango varieties - Kensington Pride, Calypso, Honey Gold and R2E2s - through activities such as sampling fresh pieces, tasting mango cheeks fresh off the BBQ and mango eating competitions.”
As part of their trip down to Sydney, the growers also had first-hand look at the supply chain, touring distribution centres and various major supermarkets and independent green grocers.
“For the first time, some of the growers coming down are seeing the journey their produce takes from their farm gates to retailer shelves.”
The Mango Mess-tival took place at the North Bondi Surf Club.
Horticulture Innovation Australia delivers $120 million in research.
