Sweet start to season as first mangoes go south

The mango season has officially begun in the Northern Territory and producers are gearing up for what they expect to be a good season of top quality fruit.

The first fruit is now being sent to southern markets.

A cooler dry season has meant about 26,000 tonnes of mangoes are expected to be harvested this year, generating about $60 million for the Top End mango industry.

A record Territory crop of 32,000 tonnes of mangoes last year accounted for about half of Australia's total production.

In October and November this year, the NT mango industry is expected to employ more than 2,000 people.

The fruit will predominantly sold within Australia but some will also be exported to China.

Meanwhile, a Queensland greengrocer has been crowned that state's Mango King after forking out a record-breaking $76,000 for the first tray of the season, which came from the Territory.

Sam Coco, of Coco's Fresh Produce Market, put up the highest-ever bid in 15th annual mango auction on the trading floor of the Brisbane Markets.

The money will be donated to children's charities.

Source: ABC News, 11 October 2012