Latest news with #IndianMangoes
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Mango prices fall amid glut of imported fruit
Kesar mangoes at Westgate Pak'nSave supermarket. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom Indian mangoes are cheaper this season than they have been in recent years due to a fierce price war that has reportedly broken out among several retailers. The price-cutting reports have soured what has a been a successful season so far, with mangoes from India on display at some stores under the umbrella of major chains such as Woolworths, Farro Fresh and Foodstuffs, which owns New World and Pak'nSave supermarkets. Prasad Salaskar of Salient Enterprises, which imports and distributes Indian mangoes to retailers nationwide, had mixed feelings about the season to date. "It is definitely heartening to see Indian mangoes being sold at major supermarkets this year," Salaskar said. "You can say we have achieved our goal of mainstreaming Indian mangoes in New Zealand. "[But] we also saw a lot of price undercutting by Indian retailers this year. There were too many importers in markets, especially for the Kesar variety, which flooded the market. "Ultimately some [retailers] resorted to selling the fruit below cost," he said. "This kind of price war doesn't help anyone. We have devalued our prime fruit ourselves." Nirmal Pandey, who imports Indian mangoes under his Auckland-based brand Mango Bite, agreed. "Our imports increased almost threefold this year," Pandey said. "I was also happy to see the mainstreaming of Indian mangoes," he said. "While some retailers did try to initiate price wars, I believe customers have become savvy too. They know and understand quality," he said. "So even though we didn't reduce our prices to match their [prices], we still had a good season." Salaskar said the price-cutting was particular to Auckland. "I don't know how to prevent price undercutting in Auckland, where there is major competition among Indian retailers," he said. "But, for us, we aim to spread our distribution network across the country, collaborating with main-stream supermarkets." Kesar mangoes at Westgate Pak'nSave supermarket. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom Mango season in India usually starts in April and ends around mid-July once monsoon rain begins. The retail price in New Zealand varies between $50 and $85 per carton (eight to 12 mangoes weighing three or four kilograms), with variety and timing affecting the cost. Mangoes imported in April and July (at the start and end of the season) tend to be a little more expensive. While Kesar remains the most popular variety of mango , others such as Langra, Dasheri, Chausa, Neelam, Malda, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Rajapuri, Sinduri and premium variety Alphonso have been increasing their market share every year. While specific trade figures are not available for imported mangoes - the Ministry of Primary Industries categorises the fruit, dried or fresh, with guava and mangosteen - Hitesh Sharma, owner of Christchurch's Maia Foods, said his sales had increased by 20 percent this season. "Moreover, the varieties we sold almost doubled," Sharma said. Mangoes imported into New Zealand from India must meet requirements in the Import Health Standard and, as such, must go through fumigation at one of two approved facilities : the Maharashtra Agricultural Marketing Board vapour heat treatment facility in Mumbai and the Andhra Pradesh Agro Food facility in Tirupati near Chennai. Salaskar was impressed with a noticeable improvement in logistics when handling the fruit this year. "As a perishable product, logistics plays a very important role in importing mangoes here," he said. "We were able to reduce our wastage by half this year, which is always good." Pandey said the future of mango imports looked good. "We did some trial runs for a major retailer this year, and, hopefully, they will come on board too," he said. "A couple more vapour treatment facilities may also be approved in future, which will further aid imports," he said. "So, overall, things are looking bright for Indian mangoes in New Zealand year by year."
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
LuLu Hypermarkets launches ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025' in partnership with APEDA
Timed perfectly with the height of the summer season, LuLu Group has unveiled its highly anticipated Indian Mango Mania 2025 campaign, in partnership with India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Embassy of India, and several Indian state governments. The vibrant campaign, launched across LuLu's retail network in the Gulf, aims to spotlight the exceptional quality and rich heritage of Indian mangoes, while further strengthening the global presence of India-made products. The grand inauguration took place at LuLu Hypermarket in Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, and was officiated by Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Yusuffali M A, chairman of LuLu Group, Dr C B Singh, deputy general manager, APEDA; Rohit Mishra, counsellor – Trade and Investment, Embassy of India; Salim M A, director – global operations, Lulu Group; Salim VI, chief operating and strategy officer, Lulu Group; Aboobakker T, regional director – Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra Region, along with senior officials and guests. Speaking at the launch, Sudhir praised Lulu Group's continued efforts in promoting Indian agricultural produce across international markets. "LuLu has been a vital platform in promoting Indian produce globally. Their commendable work in bringing India's rich food heritage to the UAE not only supports the nation's food security but also significantly boosts India's agri exports. Through this festival, the freshness and richness of Indian mangoes — especially from the north-eastern regions will delight households across the Gulf," he noted. Indian Mango Mania 2025 features an extraordinary collection of mango varieties, specially flown in from India's famed mango-growing regions. Shoppers can indulge in a diverse selection including: From the North and East: Daseri, Kesar, Chausa, Langra, Dudhiya Malda, Fazli, Amrapali, Lakshman Bhog, Vrindavani, and Sundarja Southern favourites: Alphonso, Badami, Thottapuri, Himam Pasand, Kalappadi, Malika, Neelam, Sindhooram, and Mango Sugar Baby Complementing the fresh produce are a wide range of mango-inspired culinary creations, offering something for every palate: Bakery delights: Mango-infused bread, cakes, macaroons, doughnuts, Swiss rolls, and pastries Traditional Indian specialties: Mambazha payasam, mango pulav, Gujarati mango curry, fish mango curry, mango kichadi, and more Global fusions: Mango sushi, mango-stuffed chicken breast, and mango chapli kebabs Refreshing sips and sweet treats: Mango juices, smoothies, jams, jellies, and traditional pickles Tropical snacks and sides: Mango fritters, mango chaat, spring rolls, raita, samosas, and salads This annual initiative underscores Lulu Group's ongoing commitment to championing Indian farmers by creating global platforms for regional agricultural excellence. Dr Singh from APEDA commented: "This initiative not only celebrates India's mango diversity, but also opens new avenues for export and supports the livelihoods of Indian growers and farming communities." Indian Mango Mania 2025 reaffirms Lulu Group's vision of connecting global consumers with the authentic tastes of India, bringing a truly flavourful and unforgettable experience to households across the Gulf.
