In the lush tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia lies a fruit so exquisite, that it’s often referred to as the “queen of fruits” — the mangosteen. With its captivating taste and potential health benefits, mangosteen has garnered attention worldwide, captivating taste buds and inspiring curiosity about its origins and properties. The mangosteen, scientifically known as Garcinia mangostana, is renowned for its sweet, tangy flavor and luscious, creamy texture. A writer named Apple Jr. (2003) described mangosteen as “…the flavor reminds me of litchis, peaches and clementines, mingled in a single succulent mouthful…”. However at that time mangosteens were not widely known, and rather known as a luxury as not many people can taste its tropical madness. 

Throughout Southeast Asia, the mangosteen holds a revered place in culinary traditions and cultural practices. It is often presented as a gift of hospitality, a symbol of generosity and goodwill. In countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, it is integrated into various dishes, desserts, and beverages, showcasing its versatility and culinary appeal. Beyond its delightful taste, the mangosteen boasts a wealth of potential health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Mangosteen is also believed to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties. Traditional medicine systems in Asia have long revered the mangosteen for its purported ability to alleviate various ailments, from digestive issues to skin conditions.

Nowadays, as news travels fast and the fact that the global palate has also become increasingly adventurous, mangosteen markets are not limited to only some people. Countries with substantial mangosteen production, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines, and some other southern Asian countries (Situmorang et al. 2023),  have seized the opportunity to export this prized fruit to international markets. As the market grew, mangosteen-producing countries also tried to compete within the market to meet people’s demands. The export market for mangosteen primarily consists of countries where the fruit is considered a delicacy or has gained popularity due to its unique taste and potential health benefits. Indonesia is one of those countries actively producing and exporting mangosteen to several countries like China, Hongkong, Malaysia, UAE, France, and many more (Hapsari, 2023). 

Besides those countries, exporters of mangosteen also typically target markets in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia where consumers are willing to pay premium prices for high-quality tropical fruits. With meticulous packaging, stringent quality control, and adherence to regulatory standards, mangosteen exporters tap into a lucrative niche, supplying discerning consumers worldwide with a taste of tropical luxury. Additionally, there may be opportunities to export mangosteen products such as frozen pulp, juice, or extracts, which can have a longer shelf life and appeal to a broader range of consumers. 

Cultivation and Harvesting

Cultivating mangosteen requires attention to detail and adherence to specific growing conditions to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. From its climate and soil, Mangosteen thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and ample rainfall. It also prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 and temperatures ranging from between 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F). Mangosteen is typically propagated from seeds, which should be planted immediately after extraction from fresh fruits. They are tropical fruits that require only a dash of sunlight, especially their seedlings which are sensitive to direct sunlight. Their seedlings may take several years to bear fruit, around 6 to 10 years after planting but of course, they can be grafted to accelerate the process. A fertile and balanced soil in addition to pruning is also needed to ensure the healthy growth of your mangosteen plants. 

Pest and disease management are also important to keep your mangosteen quality high. Monitor for pests such as aphids, scales, and fruit flies, and take appropriate control measures if necessary. Common diseases affecting mangosteen include anthracnose, root rot, and powdery mildew. Implement preventive measures and use fungicides when necessary. Only after taking good care of your mangosteen can you harvest the fruit of your hard work. Harvesting can be done only when the outer rind turns dark purple and yields slightly to gentle pressure. By following these guidelines and providing proper care, mangosteen growers can cultivate healthy trees and enjoy a bountiful harvest of this prized tropical fruit.

Processing and Preparation

To export mangosteen, you will need some other additional processes that require extra care. You can only harvest the fully ripe ones to ensure maximum flavor and quality. The harvesting process also needs to be done carefully as Mangosteen’s skin is very delicate. Once harvested, you need to remove any damaged or bruised fruits and grade them according to their size, color, and overall quality. Uniformity in size and appearance is desirable for export. After the sorting, the mangosteens shall be gently washed to remove any dirt, debris, or surface contaminants. Once the cleaning procedures are done, pack the cleaned and graded mangosteen fruits into appropriate packaging containers. You can use common packaging options including ventilated plastic crates, corrugated cardboard boxes, or mesh bags. However, you must ensure adequate ventilation to allow air circulation around the fruits and prevent moisture buildup in the packaging as the export process takes a long time.

Always inspect the fruits for signs of damage, decay, or disease, and remove any defective specimens. As Mangosteen is a perishable fruit it should be cooled promptly after harvest to prolong shelf life. Store those packaged mangosteen in a cool, well-ventilated storage facility with controlled temperature and humidity, and maintain the storage temperature between 10 to 12°C (50 to 54°F) to slow down ripening and prevent spoilage.

Exportation and Logistics

Choose transportation methods that ensure timely delivery and minimize handling to reduce the risk of damage to the fruits, especially as Mangosteen is a perishable commodity. Use refrigerated trucks, containers, or air freight to maintain the optimal temperature during transit, and properly label the packages with information such as product name, origin, destination, and handling instructions. Prepare necessary documents such as,

1. Phytosanitary certificates,
2. Invoices,
3. Packing lists,
4. Certificates of origin,

Also ensure compliance with import regulations and requirements of the destination country, including quarantine restrictions and labeling standards to make sure your Mangosteen could arrive safely and timely. Always maintain accurate records of the entire processing and export process, including harvesting dates, packing details, transportation, and documentation, also implement traceability systems to track the journey of the mangosteen fruits from the farm to the export destination. By following these steps and implementing proper handling and quality control measures, mangosteen exporters can ensure that their products meet the highest standards and satisfy the demands of discerning international markets.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us Forin Logistics to handle your mangosteen shipment!

Reference :

Apple Jr. R. W. 2003. “Forbidden Fruit: Something About A Mangosteen” [Online]. From https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/24/dining/forbidden-fruit-something-about-a-mangosteen.html#:~:text=THE%20mangosteen%20(Garcinia%20mangostana)%20originated,leaves%20and%20pyramid%2Dshaped%20crowns [Accessed 1 April 2024]

Kementerian Pertanian, 2022. “Profil Manggis, Mendukung Ekspor” [Online]. From https://epublikasi.pertanian.go.id/pertanianpress/catalog/download/29/21/216?inline=1 [Accessed 1 April 2024]

Situmorang et al. 2023. “Market share of Indonesian mangosteen in China market”, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1241 012042. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1241/1/012042/pdf

BISIP, 2023. “Manggis: Buah Eksotis dari Indonesia dengan Manfaat Luar Biasa” [Online]. From https://bisip.bsip.pertanian.go.id/berita/manggis-buah-eksotis-dari-indonesia-dengan-manfaat-luar-biasa [Accessed 1 April 2024]