As the heat rises across the UAE, so does the excitement for mango season, a much-anticipated time when supermarkets and markets brim with luscious Indian mangoes. For many residents, this beloved fruit marks the true start of summer and is deeply woven into the country’s culinary culture.
The UAE’s Massive Appetite for Indian Mangoes
The UAE is India’s largest overseas market for mangoes, importing a remarkable 15,336 metric tonnes in the 2023-24 financial year alone. This demand is fueled by the UAE’s sizeable South Asian community, as well as an expanding local taste for premium, high-quality fruit. What began as a cultural preference has grown into a billion-dirham trade connecting the mango farms of Maharashtra and Gujarat with dinner tables across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
The Champions of Flavour: Popular Mango Varieties
Indian mangoes dominate UAE fruit shelves from April through July, featuring several standout varieties:
- Alphonso (Hapus): Known as the “King of Mangoes,” Alphonso leads the premium segment with its creamy texture and rich sweetness. Despite its higher price, Alphonso mangoes consistently sell out in Dubai’s major retail chains, loved for their signature aroma and melt-in-the-mouth quality.
- Kesar: This saffron-fleshed mango from Gujarat offers a fragrant sweetness with a perfect balance of tartness. Retailers report strong demand among families, noting its popularity with both children and adults for its unique flavour.
- Tottapuri: Valued for its firm flesh and versatility, Tottapuri mangoes are popular both fresh and in cooking. Their longer shelf life makes them attractive for retailers managing inventory, contributing to steady demand in restaurants and homes alike.
Beyond these, other varieties have carved out their own niches:
- Dasheri: With its elongated shape and sweet flavour, Dasheri appeals to mango connoisseurs.
- Raja Puri: Known for affordability without sacrificing taste, Raja Puri is a favourite among budget-conscious families, offering smaller but flavourful fruit that sees strong repeat purchases.
- Badami: Named after a town in Karnataka, Badami mangoes have a buttery texture and rich taste, securing a place in high-end fruit stores in Dubai and Sharjah.
- Baseri: Offering a traditional Indian sweetness, Baseri mangoes attract those seeking classic flavours.
- Langra: Despite its green skin, Langra is prized by those who value taste over appearance for its exceptional sweetness.
Market Availability and Distribution
The Indian mango season in the UAE begins in March, with peak arrivals from April to July, perfectly aligning with India’s harvest periods to ensure maximum freshness. More than 20 mango varieties from India, Yemen, Thailand, Peru, and Colombia are available, but Indian varieties maintain the largest market share thanks to strong trade ties and efficient logistics.Dubai’s Waterfront Market is a key distribution hub, where wholesale buyers source mangoes for retailers across the Emirates. Its advanced cold storage and ripening facilities help maintain the quality of mangoes during the hot summer months.Specialty stores and online retailers have also adapted to changing consumer preferences by offering pre-orders for premium mango varieties, ensuring customers can secure their favourites during peak demand.
Growing Consumer Trends in the UAE
Demand in the UAE is evolving beyond traditional favourites. Increasingly, shoppers are seeking organically grown mangoes, with several importers now offering certified organic options from Indian farms. This shift reflects a broader health-conscious trend among UAE consumers who prioritize quality and sustainability.Indian mangoes are not just beloved locally; they enjoy strong international demand in markets such as the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The UAE’s strategic location also positions it as a vital re-export hub, forwarding Indian mangoes to regional markets.
