As India’s mango orchards burst into their seasonal peak, the country’s most celebrated fruit took centre stage in the UAE capital this week with the launch of Indian Mango Mania 2025—a strategic export promotion initiative led by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group, the in-store mango festival was inaugurated at LuLu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, by Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir. The event brought together diplomats, retail leaders, and export officials in a shared celebration of India’s mango heritage—and its export potential.

Timed to coincide with the heart of the mango season, the promotion spotlights a curated range of GI-tagged and regional mango varieties, including Banarasi Langda, Dasheri, Chausa, Amrapali, Bharat Bhog, Mallika, and more. Airlifted from across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Eastern India, the varieties represent the rich agricultural diversity that India brings to global tables.

“Through this festival, the freshness and richness of Indian mangoes will reach households across the Gulf,” said Ambassador Sudhir, adding that APEDA’s initiative bridges growers with global consumers while deepening trade and cultural ties.

Chairman of Lulu Group, Yusuff Ali M.A., reaffirmed the group’s commitment to expanding market access for Indian produce. “LuLu is proud to showcase the best of India through our expansive retail presence across the UAE and Gulf region,” he said.

In a message from New Delhi, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev underscored the long-term vision behind the event. “This initiative is not only about exports—it is about celebration, visibility, and inclusion. By bringing regional mango varieties to global markets, we open new opportunities for Indian growers, FPOs, and agri-enterprises,” he said.

The festival also featured a culinary showcase blending Indian tradition with global flair—from mango pulao and chutneys to sushi rolls, stuffed chicken, and pastries. Smoothies, pickles, jams, and jellies rounded out the experiential offering, underscoring mango’s versatility and international appeal.

India exported over 12,000 metric tonnes of mangoes to the UAE in 2024, valued at USD 20 million, reaffirming the Gulf region as a top-tier market for Indian agri-produce. The strong and growing demand highlights the export potential of Indian mangoes, not only among the diaspora but across global consumer segments.

The Mango Mania initiative is part of APEDA’s wider push to enhance India’s agri-export ecosystem—with targeted support for farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), FPCs, and MSME agri-exporters. With a focus on traceability, sustainability, and GI-branding, APEDA continues to position Indian agri-products as premium, diverse, and export-ready.

As Mango Mania 2025 makes its way across the Gulf, it does more than celebrate a fruit. It represents the soft power, entrepreneurial strength, and export ambitions of Indian agriculture in full bloom.