Qatar has become a crucial gateway for Indian mangoes, ranking seventh globally among importers, even as exporters face mounting logistical hurdles and regional competition.
According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Qatar’s relatively flexible import standards have helped Indian mangoes secure a strong position in the Gulf market.
“Qatar is the seventh largest importer of Indian mangoes. The Qatari market readily accepts Indian mangoes as they are,” said Sandeep Saha, assistant manager and regional head at APEDA.
He explained that, unlike South Korea and other destinations, Qatar does not impose stringent lab-testing or cosmetic requirements, allowing Indian mangoes to enter more easily.
However, exporters are grappling with logistics, Saha noted. “The government of Bangladesh has further reduced the cost of air freight to Qatar...this will definitely affect the Indian market,” Saha stated, noting that India’s main competitors are Pakistan and Bangladesh, which share similar climatic conditions and mango varieties.
Despite these challenges, Saha explained that APEDA is testing sea protocols to reduce costs and expand reach. “We have achieved 35 days of shelf life...this means we can send mangoes by sea in huge volume,” Saha emphasised, adding that trials have shown 70% to 75% positive results, with APEDA aiming to raise reliability to 90% to 95%.
Saha added that if the Gulf crisis eases and sea shipments prove viable, Indian mangoes could capture larger markets in Singapore, the UK and the US. He said, “Once you have determined the reliability of the sea route...definitely we can achieve a very big market in the days to come.”
According to Saha, retailers are also playing a role in sustaining demand. He emphasised that LuLu Group, with strong sourcing networks in India’s southern and western mango belts, has been able to supply more than 40 varieties to Gulf markets.
Saha said LuLu sources its products directly from farms in India, ensuring a reliable and high-quality supply chain.
“By partnering with local farmers, they not only support sustainable agricultural practices but also promote freshness and authenticity in their offerings. This direct sourcing approach allows LuLu to maintain strong relationships with the farmers, ensuring that they receive the best produce while also contributing to the local economy,” he pointed out.
From Dubai, LuLu distributes mangoes to Kuwait and Qatar, reinforcing the Gulf’s position as a premium market, Saha said, noting that the seasonal nature of mango exports adds urgency to these efforts.
India’s export window runs from late March to October, with varieties staggered across the months, he said, noting that perishability remains a risk. “A 25-tonne container losing even 25% of its cargo represents a severe loss,” Saha stressed, underscoring the importance of shelf-life trials.
According to Saha, tests with the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, part of India’s Agriculture Department, are focused on enhancing shelf life to make sea shipments viable. “Possibly by next season we will be having positive results, so next season would be more optimistic,” Saha added.