By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter
Mango lovers in the country have a lot to choose from this season. With many retail outlets holding special festivals dedicated to the fruit, a wide range of mangoes from across the globe is available in the local market right now.
The number of source countries, too, has increased significantly. While mangoes from barely six-seven countries were available here earlier, retail outlets now boast of varieties from over 20 nations around the world, it is learnt.
Speaking yesterday, some major importers stressed that the country’s mango lovers never had it so good. “One 40ft container of mangoes is not enough to meet the daily requirements in the country at this point,” said an importer, adding that the ongoing trend would continue until the end of July.
Capitalising on the growing love for mangoes among residents, some major hypermarkets are currently holding mango festivals that also feature related products such as jam, pickles, dried delicacies, cakes etc.
India, the main source of the fruit, seems to be the leader this time as well going by the trends available at retail shops. It is found that some 75 varieties of mangoes from the south Asian country have flooded the stores. “Usually, we have around 40-45 varieties from India at our outlets. This time, though, more than 75 varieties are available for sale,” said an official from LuLu Hypermarket.
Besides Alphonso, chiefly sourced from the western Indian states of Maharashtra and Goa, Sindooram, Neelam, Badami, Tottapuri, Rajapuri, Kesar, Kilchundan, Palgova, Roja and Panchavarnam are among the Indian varieties that have become popular among residents as well as locals, say sources.
Popular varieties from Sri Lanka, such as Neelam, Jaffna, Senbatta and Karathakolamban, among others, are also available.
Thailand, whose mangoes made their foray into the region’s markets only about a decade ago, is a fast-growing exporter to the Gulf. Some of their varieties cost as much as QR29 a kg, it is learnt.
An official at Safari Hypermarket said the mango season is expected to last at least until the first week of August and imports from regular sources such as Pakistan are still to arrive. Some of the Pakistani varieties have a big appeal among the country’s residents, he added.
Usually, mangoes from Pakistan come only when rains start there next month. This time, mangoes from the south Asian nation are expected to arrive when Ramadan starts and the imports may continue for a full month, he explained.
Mangoes from the Philippines, Yemen, Kenya, Uganda, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Malaysia, Ecuador, Indonesia and Ivory Coast, too, are making their presence felt. The fruit is generally sold between QR6 and QR30.
