Unraveling the Hidden Middle’s Impact on Post-Harvest Losses in the Mango Value Chain of Sri Lanka

The profound cultural significance and economic importance of mango cultivation in Sri Lanka are evident, deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of South and Southeast Asia (Kingwell-Banham et al., 2012). The global demand for mangoes has surged, making it one of the major tropical fruits by export volume, with rapid growth rates in Asian trade (Evans et al., 2017; Mohomed et al., 2011). Mango cultivation and trading characterized by complex and lengthy supply chains involving numerous “hidden middle” who plays vital role as midstream food system employment in facilitating and supplying mangoes from producers to consumers facing many challenges.