Mango lovers in the UAE can rejoice as the much-awaited shipment of delicious Pakistani mangoes has finally arrived. This year, the mango crop in Pakistan has shown improvement compared to the previous year, resulting in sweeter mangoes and better prices due to the weak rupee. The crop was affected by climate change, including a heatwave and drought, which impacted the South Asian country.
The first shipment of over 90 containers of Sindhri and Almas varieties of mangoes has arrived by sea, and the quality is exceptional with fully ripened fruits and a delightful aroma, according to Mustafa Altaf, the managing director of Altaf Hussain Trading Co.
Following these two varieties, other popular varieties such as Dusehri, Saroli, Anwar Ratool, Gulas Khaas, and Langra will be shipped to the UAE. Typically, mango supply continues until September unless heavy monsoon rains disrupt it.
Gulraiz Yaseen, the managing director of the Pakistan Supermarket chain, mentioned that mango consignments by air have already begun, and shipments by sea will start soon.
Prices are expected to either remain the same as last year or be slightly lower due to the rupee’s weakness against the UAE dirham. The Pakistani rupee has significantly depreciated against the Emirati currency over the past year.
Pakistan is a major exporter of mangoes, ranking among the top exporters globally after India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. Besides the UAE, other significant export destinations for Pakistani mangoes include Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, the UK, the US, Canada, EU countries, and Singapore. Pakistan offers a wide variety of mangoes, including Chaunsa, Langra, Sindhri, Anwar Ratool, Dusehri, Saroli, Almas, Fajri, and more.
The UAE holds a prominent position as an export destination for Pakistani mangoes, with millions of dollars’ worth of exports during the three-month season. Although the season is slightly delayed this year due to milder temperatures, the overall crop quality is better. Prices are expected to be relatively competitive compared to last year.
Currently, the wholesale price for the first batch is slightly over Dh30 per box, weighing around six kilograms. As supply increases in the coming weeks and months, prices will depend on the market demand, with the potential for prices to go down to Dh18-20 per box, as seen in the past.
