Abstract The volatile components of nine Colombian mango varieties were investigated by means of simultaneous distillation–extraction, GC and GC–MS. One hundred and forty‐five compounds were identified, of which eight were found for the first time in mango fruit. The total concentration of volatiles was ca. 17–75 mg/kg fresh fruit. Terpene hydrocarbons were the major volatiles of all varieties, the dominant terpenes being δ ‐3‐carene (Haden, Irwin, Manila and Tommy Atkins), α ‐pinene (Hilacha and Vallenato), α ‐phellandrene (Van Dyke) and terpinolene (Yulima), while no dominant terpene was found in the Springfield variety. Other qualitative and quantitative differences between the varieties were demonstrated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.