At the Tropicals Congress 2025 in Antwerp, Henry Robertson, category manager at Perfection Fresh Australia, gave a presentation on the rise of Calypso® mango in the Australian market. In his session, Henry demonstrated the importance of building a brand, using Calypso as an example. Through an innovative cultivation strategy, brand positioning, and a consumer-focused approach, Calypso has become one of the fastest-growing premium fruit brands in Australia, he said.
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From cultivar to brand
The Calypso mango, a hybrid of Kensington Pride and Sensation, was commercially introduced in Australia in the late 1990s. It is a patented mango variety (B74), originally developed by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. The Calypso brand is managed by Perfection Fresh Australia. In 2002, the variety received its name through a public competition. What followed was far from a standard market launch: Perfection Fresh chose a brand strategy similar to those used in the drinks and snacks industries, complete with recognisable packaging, storytelling, and seasonal campaigns. "We wanted to make Calypso more than just a mango. It had to become a brand that consumers recognise and look for on the shop shelf," Henry explained.
Consumer-focused and retailer-friendly
Henry went on to explain how Calypso stands out with fibre-free flesh, a small stone, firm texture, and long shelf life—traits loved by consumers and highly attractive to retailers, he said. "What makes Calypso unique is the combination of flavour and shelf life. That makes it not only a popular choice for families, but also an efficient option for supermarkets that want less loss and better stability." 
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With strategic growing partners across five Australian regions, Calypso has established a long mango season from September to March, contributing to a strong and stable market presence.
Growth rates and international expansion
According to Henry, Calypso mango production in Australia has grown to more than 30 million pieces per season in recent years, giving it a significant market share within the country's tropical fruit category.
He also noted that Perfection Fresh is pursuing international expansion, particularly in Europe, where cooperation with growers outside Australia is central, and in East Asia, where development will initially rely on exports. Pilot projects are now underway in Mexico to successfully grow the variety for export to North America.
Henry concluded his presentation by highlighting Calypso as a model for other tropical fruits. "If we want tropical fruit to break through beyond niche markets, we must dare to think in terms of brands. Calypso shows that through quality control, packaging, and marketing, you can transform a commodity into a premium experience."
For more information:
Henry Robertson
Perfection Fresh
[email protected]
www.perfection.com.au