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DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN IQF KAEW MANGO AND IQF CATCHU MANGO FROM VIETNAM

Posted on by vinkh

Mango is one of the most popular fruits in Vietnam, with many different varieties. Among them, frozen Kaew mango and frozen Cat Chu mango are the two most favored products, especially in the frozen fruit export industry. Each type of mango has its own distinct characteristics in terms of flavor, quality, and processing methods. This article will compare these two types of frozen mangoes to help you better understand their differences as well as the export potential of each.

1. Characteristics and Origins of Frozen Kaew Mango and Frozen Cat Chu Mango

1.1 Origin and Development History

Kaew mango originates from southern Vietnam and is renowned for its sweet flavor and high quality. Meanwhile, Cat Chu mango is more common in central and northern regions, known for its rich taste and often favored by consumers in traditional dishes.

Both of these mango varieties are closely related to other mango types in Vietnam, reflecting the diversity and richness of the country’s fruit agriculture.

Kaew Mago Hùng Hậu Foods
Kaew Mago Hùng Hậu Foods
Catchu Mango Hung Hau Foods
Catchu Mango Hung Hau Foods

1.2 Differences in Shape and Color

Shape of Frozen Kaew Mango: Typically oval-shaped, with a medium size and thick flesh.
Shape of Frozen Cat Chu Mango: Larger in shape, it may be longer with thick flesh but less fiber.
Color of Frozen Kaew Mango: Light green when unripe, turning to light yellow when ripe.
Color of Frozen Cat Chu Mango: Usually has a deep yellow color, indicating ripeness and sweetness inside.

1.3 Flavor Characteristics

Frozen Kaew mango stands out with its mild sweetness, little acidity, and is very easy to eat. On the other hand, frozen Cat Chu mango has a more intense flavor, typically sweeter, but also has a slight tartness when not fully ripe, making it suitable for a variety of dishes.

2. Processing and Storage Process of Frozen Kaew Mango and Frozen Cat Chu Mango

At Hùng Hậu Foods, the process of freezing mangoes is carried out with strict steps to ensure product quality:

  1. Harvesting: Kaew and Cat Chu mangoes are harvested from reputable growing regions, ensuring high quality.

  2. Transportation: After harvesting, the mangoes are transported to the factory for processing.

  3. Washing and Preliminary Processing: The mangoes are thoroughly washed with water and advanced processing systems to remove dirt and bacteria. They are then sorted to eliminate any non-standard fruits.

  4. Peeling and Cutting: Workers use specialized equipment to peel the mangoes and cut away any damaged parts (if any). The mangoes can be sliced, cubed, or diced according to product requirements.

  5. Preservation Treatment: The mangoes are quickly processed with modern preservation technology to maintain their natural color and flavor.

  6. Freezing: The mangoes are immediately placed in a freezing chamber after processing to preserve their flavor and quality.

  7. Packaging and Storage: The frozen mangoes are packaged according to standard specifications, then stored in cold storage to maintain quality before shipment.

The workers at the factory are currently processing the mangoes
The workers at the factory are currently processing the mangoes

2.1 How to Select Kaew and Cat Chu Mangoes at Harvest

To ensure freezing quality, selecting mangoes at the right time of harvest is crucial. The mangoes must be ripe enough while still retaining their crisp texture and natural flavor.

Choosing high-quality mangoes is not only based on appearance but also on various factors such as color, aroma, and cultivation standards. Below are the detailed evaluation steps to help you select the best mangoes.

Kaew Mago Hùng Hậu Foods
Kaew Mango cut into sticks
IQF Mango
IQF Catchu Mango

1. Evaluation by Peel Color

Kaew Mango: The skin changes from green to a yellowish hue, sometimes with a slight pink blush near the stem. This indicates the mango has ripened naturally and is ready for harvest.

Cat Chu Mango: The fruit should have a uniformly bright yellow peel, without green patches or dark bruises. Evenly ripened Cat Chu mangoes with vibrant color are the ideal choice.
Note: Avoid mangoes with sunburn spots, fungal black dots, or scratches, as these can affect the fruit’s sweetness and quality.

2. Aroma Check

Gently squeeze the stem end of the mango. Naturally ripened mangoes will emit a sweet, mild fragrance without any harsh scent.
Avoid mangoes with a pungent or sour smell, as this may indicate artificial ripening using calcium carbide, a chemical that is unsafe for health.

3. Ideal Harvest Time

Harvest mangoes in the early morning when temperatures are below 30°C to ensure the best quality.

Ripeness at harvest:

  • Kaew Mango: Harvest at 75–80% ripeness, when the skin turns about 30–50% yellow.

  • Cat Chu Mango: Harvest at 80–85% ripeness, when approximately 70% of the skin has turned yellow.

4. Mango Growing Region Standards

  • Kaew Mango: Thrives best in the alluvial soil regions of Đồng Tháp or Tiền Giang, where fertile land supports its growth.

  • Cat Chu Mango: Preferably sourced from Đồng Tháp or dry, hot climates like Ninh Thuận, which help develop its signature sweetness.

5. Traceability Requirements

  • Check the QR code label on the packaging, which should show certifications such as VietGAP or Organic to ensure the mango was grown following safe and sustainable practices.

  • The packaging must clearly state the name of the farm or packing facility along with the harvest date, allowing consumers to trace the fruit’s origin transparently and accurately.

By following these standards, you can choose high-quality mangoes that are safe, delicious, and suitable for both home use and export.

2.2 IQF Technology in Mango Processing

IQF (Individual Quick Frozen) technology is one of the best methods in food processing, offering superior preservation compared to traditional freezing techniques. With this technology, each piece of mango is frozen individually, helping to maintain its freshness and nutritional value.

The workers are conducting quality inspection on diced mango.
The workers are conducting quality inspection on diced mango.

3. Export Potential of Frozen Kaew Mango and Frozen Cat Chu Mango from Vietnam

Freezing helps mangoes retain both their natural flavor and nutritional value. Hùng Hậu Foods sources Kaew and Cat Chu mangoes from reputable growing regions, ensuring premium domestic quality.

  • Export Markets: Frozen Kaew and Cat Chu mangoes have strong potential in demanding markets such as Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the EU.

  • Strengths: Kaew mango offers a mild sweetness and low fiber, ideal for premium consumer products. Cat Chu mango, with its rich flavor, is versatile for culinary applications.

  • Export Volume:
    According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (2023), Vietnam exports about 250,000–300,000 tons of mangoes annually, ranking second worldwide after India.
    Major markets include China (70%), the EU, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East.
    Vietnamese mangoes are favored for their quality and popular varieties such as Cat Hoa Loc, Cat Chu, and Keo mango.

  • Estimated Revenue:
    In 2023, mango export revenue reached approximately USD 250–300 million, with 15–20% annual growth. Export prices range from USD 1,000 to 3,000 per ton, with higher prices in the U.S. and EU compared to China.

4. Why Choose Frozen Mango for Export?

  • Extended shelf life compared to traditional freezing methods.

  • High food safety standards, meeting strict requirements from markets like Japan, the U.S., and Europe.

  • Product versatility, available in various packaging sizes for convenience.

  • IQF Technology: Mangoes are individually quick frozen (IQF) to preserve freshness and nutrition.

Hùng Hậu Foods offers various mango cuts—diced, sticks, cheeks, or custom cuts—in different packaging formats. Depending on the customer’s needs, we deliver tailored mango products from both Kaew and Cat Chu varieties.

With advanced processing technology, our frozen mango products guarantee premium quality, preserving the fresh taste and nutritional value. Each mango piece is optimally preserved, retaining its freshness for long-term use and meeting the rigorous standards of international markets.

Thanks to continuous innovation, Kaew and Cat Chu frozen mangoes have become not only standout products in Vietnam but also ideal choices for export. At Hùng Hậu Foods, we take pride in delivering the best products to global consumers.

CONTACT US

📩Email: Sales@hunghau.vn

📞Hotline: (+84)98 714 0333

📩Email: Hana@hunghau.vn

📞Hotline: (+84)79 721 3333

Website: Công ty Cổ phần Thực phẩm Hùng Hậu (Hùng Hậu Foods)