The Journey of Mango: How the Shipping Systems Affect Fruit Quality, Consumer Acceptance, and Environmental Impact

Mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> L.) is a popular tropical fruit enjoyed worldwide, with Europe being a significant importer of this fruit. Its climacteric nature and short shelf-life pose challenges for maintaining quality, while emissions from transportation threaten the sustainability of the supply chain. This highlights the importance of low-impact logistics in maintaining fruit quality. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of fresh mangoes in Italy by comparing the different shipping systems (air, sea, and road) for seven cultivars sourced from seven countries. Quality assessment included pomological analysis, PTR-ToF-MS for volatile profiling (<i>n</i> = 11 cultivars × 2 years × 3 replicates), and consumer sensory analysis (<i>n</i> = 65 for untrained panellists in 1 year, <i>n</i> = 8 for trained panellists over 2 years). Results indicated that air and truck transport better preserved fruit quality compared to sea freight, primarily due to shorter transit times, which allowed for harvesting at more advanced ripeness stages. The combination of PTR-ToF-MS and PLS-DA effectively differentiated samples based on the method of transport, showcasing its potential as a quick quality monitoring tool. Mangoes transported by air showed significantly higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a 29% greater total soluble solids (TSSs) content, and a 44% lower acidity (TA). Sensorial tests indicated that consumers preferred these mangoes. However, air transport resulted in 30 times higher CO₂ emissions per kg of fruit compared to sea freight (~642,117 CO₂e (kg) vs. ~19,132 CO₂e (kg)), highlighting a critical dilemma between sustainability and quality. These findings provide a framework for developing hybrid logistics strategies that strike a balance between preserving quality and environmental responsibility. Additionally, they support the development of European mango cultivation, which can optimise harvest timing, reduce emissions, and enhance fruit quality.