Optimising mango supply chains for more profitable horticultural agri-enterprises in Pakistan and Australia

In general this project has proceeded according to plan, arguably even exceeding its expected impacts at this early stage. The project has three objectives and progress against each is summarised below.

Objective 1: Improving and maintaining mango quality from harvest to consumption
The fruit postharvest laboratory at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad was substantially upgraded through this project to enable the necessary fruit quality research to be undertaken. Technical staff have received training. In 2007, experiments focused on mango harvest maturity assessment, storage temperature treatments and postharvest diseases were initiated successfully, as planned. A lime-based, safe, cheap and environmentally friendly treatment for mango sapburn, a major blemish detracting from quality and value, has been developed, tested and extended to the industry. It is predicted to be adopted across the whole industry in the 2008 season. A sample of domestic and export supply chains were studied to document existing product handling practices and their effects on fruit quality. Findings were used to inform fruit quality improvement R&D activities and priorities.

Training of Pakistani collaborators in fruit quality assessment and management took place in the UAF postharvest laboratory and at field days. In addition, two Pakistan PhD scholars spent 17 days in Australia with the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries for training in mango handling practices and research techniques.

In Australia, studies on the impact of heat disinfestation treatments on skin browning were conducted on Queensland mangoes. The impact of temperature was examined to find a suitable handling regime to minimise the expression of skin browning post heat treatment.

All fruit quality research results were used in developing strategies for the project's demonstration supply chains (see objective 3).
Objective 2: Identifying present market needs and likely future opportunities for Pakistan mangoes, and using this information to inform the analysis of existing supply chains and the development of improved supply chain management systems and practices
Detailed market research was carried out in the three largest cities of Pakistan (Faisalabad, Lahore and Karachi) under the supervision of Professors Dunne and Khalid. Mango freighters, exporters, importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers were interviewed to examine market responses and consumer requirements. Results were very encouraging, in particular the finding that consumers were willing to pay more for better quality mangoes. A report was disseminated through end of season workshops.

Market research on existing international markets in Dubai, UK and Singapore was carried out to examine the current performance of Pakistan mangoes as well as monitoring a trial shipment of mangoes from Pakistan to each market. The second trip collected data on the market response to Pakistan mangoes throughout the season, including recommendations from importers, wholesalers and retailers regarding improvements to the system. Reports from these activities were produced in two forms: one for general consumption by the industry, and one in confidence for the commercial partners whose fruit was monitored and evaluated.

China was identified as a potential market for Pakistan mango. In- market research was conducted by one Australian and three Pakistani project team members. It investigated market access, consumer perceptions, importer and wholesaler requirements, competitors in the market, optimum supply season, marketing channels and financial feasibility. A market research report was produced and disseminated to project participants.

All market research results were used in developing strategies for the project's demonstration supply chains (see objective 3).
Objective 3: Working with selected mango supply chains so that they can demonstrate to the rest of the industry the impact of improved supply chain management on competitiveness
A study of factors that may impact on applying supply chain management principles in the Pakistan mango industry is being conducted by a John Allwright PhD Fellow. Results will be fed back to demonstration supply chain team members and used in planning chain development strategies.

Following a season of familiarisation and training in 2007, five demonstration supply chain groups were initiated in early 2008, two for domestic markets and three for international markets. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by each group's members to formally record the commitment of firms to their supply chain groups. Each supply chain will target a specific market opportunity in 2008, fully informed by all the other project activities and results. These chains will demonstrate best practice technically, in marketing, and in the application of chain-based strategies and management. Results will be documented and quantified for dissemination to industry wherever possible.