There has been a dip in the availability of mango in the local market this summer, according to some consumers.
Only a few varieties of the fruit have hit the retail outlets this season, they claim, pointing out that the market would be usually flooded with mangoes - particularly from the Indian subcontinent - by this time.
While attributing the situation to a fall in production in the originating countries, some local importers said even the stocks available for sale in the region have been procured with much difficulty owing to the shortage in production.
In general, the supply of mangoes to the entire Gulf region “has not been that encouraging this season”, they explain.
Retailers said the demand for mangoes in the market continued to be highly encouraging. “But importers have not been able to supply adequate quantities to meet the demand,” said an official at a major hypermarket.
Others echoed similar views. One of them said most local retailers relied on supplies from India’s Konkan region, which is home to a number of favourite varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Pairi, Sindhu, Rajapuri and Tottapuri.
“However, supplies from that region have been at the bare minimum level so far this season compared to previous years,” he said.
Though Pakistani mangoes are arriving, the quantity is not much and the supply is not that regular, according to some traders. Chausa, Sindhri and Langra are the common varieties from Pakistan.
“Chausa has reasonably good appeal among local customers but the supply is irregular,” said a city shopkeeper.
While some of the importers are hopeful that fresh stocks will arrive in the market shortly, others are not so hopeful.
“There is not much to gain for importers as a substantially large number of regular mango patrons have already started leaving on vacation,” felt a retailer.
While attributing the situation to a fall in production in the originating countries, some local importers said even the stocks available for sale in the region have been procured with much difficulty owing to the shortage in production.
In general, the supply of mangoes to the entire Gulf region “has not been that encouraging this season”, they explain.
Retailers said the demand for mangoes in the market continued to be highly encouraging. “But importers have not been able to supply adequate quantities to meet the demand,” said an official at a major hypermarket.
Others echoed similar views. One of them said most local retailers relied on supplies from India’s Konkan region, which is home to a number of favourite varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Pairi, Sindhu, Rajapuri and Tottapuri.
“However, supplies from that region have been at the bare minimum level so far this season compared to previous years,” he said.
Though Pakistani mangoes are arriving, the quantity is not much and the supply is not that regular, according to some traders. Chausa, Sindhri and Langra are the common varieties from Pakistan.
“Chausa has reasonably good appeal among local customers but the supply is irregular,” said a city shopkeeper.
While some of the importers are hopeful that fresh stocks will arrive in the market shortly, others are not so hopeful.
“There is not much to gain for importers as a substantially large number of regular mango patrons have already started leaving on vacation,” felt a retailer.
