By Ramesh Mathew
AS in the previous years, this summer too, markets in Qatar are flooded with different varieties of mangoes.
“There is no doubt as to which is the most favourite fruit of the GCC nationals,” said regional manager (Qatar) of Emke Group Mohamed Althaf.
The entrepreneur feels that the region’s people are the best connoisseurs of mangoes and in terms of its per capita consumption too, it is doubtful if anyone is ahead of them.
Mangoes from India, arguably the world’s largest producer and exporter and home to some 1,000 varieties are available in large numbers.
Alphonso, Rajapouri, Tottapuri, Kesri, Langr, Chausa, Amarapalli and Bangalora are some of the Indian mangoes available in the region.
Alphonso continues to be the most favourite fruit of the people in Qatar.
Grown mostly in India’s Konkan belt, this variety, though a little more expensive than others, has several thousands of loyal customers in any GCC state.
Priced at most shops around QR20 and above, one fruit of this variety can weigh as much as 800gm or even more.
“During this time of the year, several loads of Alphonso arrive throughout the region and a number of Qatar outlets stock their fruit racks entirely with this variety. Though Qatar is a small market compared to the neighbouring UAE, Alphonso mangoes have been the big hit among large sections of fruit lovers, though a number of cheaper varieties starting from as low as QR6 or 7/kilo are available,” said a wholesaler.
Mohideen, an importer of Indian and Pakistani mangoes feels that by the end of this month, the sale of almost all top varieties of Indian mangoes would have reached its pinnacle and next month would witness the arrival of mangoes from Pakistan.
“Compared to most Indian mangoes, Pakistan mangoes are a little cheaper and varieties like Chausa and Sindhri have gained enormous confidence among fruit connoisseurs,” he said.
Like India, Pakistan too has a number of successful varieties and each of them has a particular segment of loyal customers, according to the importer.
Bahawalpur, which hosts an annual mango festival is Pakistan’s main mango growing region.
Though Doha outlets differ on the quantities of mangoes sold in the local market, the outlet owners strongly feel the consumption of mangoes among Arabs is much more than their Asian counterparts, at least in the GCC.
“Again, no mango remains unsold on the second day of their arrival during the summer,” said Rafeeq, who runs a fruit shop in the Najma area.
Speaking about the growing demand for mangoes among people of the region, Althaf said his company cultivates mangoes on its own large plantations, spread over several hundreds of acres in Tamil Nadu, to cater to the likes of the GCC region alone.
“By next year, their cultivation will be in full swing and a lot more varieties, catering to the tastes and requirements of Middle East populace will come for sale,” he said. |
