The much-awaited Pakistani mangoes have finally arrived in the UAE, with the first consignments reaching the market last week. Despite lower production in Pakistan this year due to climate change, wholesalers and retailers have indicated that the supply of mangoes is satisfactory. Prices, however, are slightly higher than usual, attributed to inflation in Pakistan and increased freight charges.
The Pakistani mango season officially began with exports allowed from May 20, 2024. The initial shipment brought in around 192 containers of Sindhri variety, totaling approximately 4,600 tonnes. Pakistani mangoes are highly sought after globally for their unique taste, with varieties like Sindhri and Chanusa known for their high pulp content, sweet fragrance, and flavor.
As prices are slightly higher this year, suppliers are charging more due to inflation and rising freight charges. A box of Sindhri mangoes weighing 6kg is currently being sold for Dh28-30 in the wholesale market. The managing director of Altaf Hussain Trading Co. has expressed concern over the impact of climate change on mango yield, noting that production may be lower than expected.
Exports to the UAE typically peak in the initial weeks of the season to meet the high demand for mangoes. Despite challenges posed by climate change, Pakistani mangoes of good quality are still reaching the UAE market. Suppliers are optimistic that the quality of mangoes will improve in the coming months. The impact of climate change on mango production has been felt for several years, prompting exporters to target other markets as supply to the UAE slows down.
Gulraiz Yaseen, managing director of the Pakistan Supermarket chain in the UAE, reiterated the high quality of Pakistani mangoes and noted that production has been affected by climate change. Despite these challenges, exporters are trying to maintain the quality of mangoes for consumers. The supermarket chain imported around 250-300 tonnes of mangoes from Pakistan last year, highlighting the demand for this popular fruit in the UAE market.