Mango Mania Returns For 23rd Consecutive Year With Over 85 Premium Varieties Across GCC
LuLu Hypermarket, alongside the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, has launched the 23rd edition of its annual Mango Mania festival across its stores in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, bringing together more than 85 premium mango varieties sourced from India and several international markets.The festival, widely regarded as one of the region’s most prominent platforms for agricultural trade and cultural exchange, is expected to introduce approximately 3,200 tonnes of mango produce to GCC consumers this season.
The festival was inaugurated in Abu Dhabi by India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Deepak Mittal, in the presence of Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), LuLu Group Chairman Yusuffali M.A., and a number of senior officials and representatives from the agriculture and trade sectors. The festival in Dubai and Sharjah was Inaugurated by Consul Geneeral of India at Dubai, Shri Satish Kumar Sivan.
The centrepiece of this year’s festival is the Kesar mango, a geographically indicated variety originating from Junagadh in Gujarat, India, and commonly referred to as the Queen of Mangoes. The variety has drawn heightened international attention following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to the UAE, during which he presented UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with a box of premium Kesar mangoes – a gesture widely interpreted as a reflection of the two nations’ deepening bilateral ties.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Mittal underscored the broader significance of the occasion. “Mangoes today have become an important symbol of cultural connection and diplomacy as well,” he said. “LuLu Mango Mania reflects the growing strength of India-UAE relations while also supporting Indian farmers, exporters, and the wider agricultural ecosystem.”
APEDA Secretary Dr. Sudhanshu echoed those remarks, noting that events of this kind were instrumental in connecting Indian agricultural producers with consumers in global markets. “Through initiatives like LuLu Mango Mania, Indian mangoes are reaching global consumers and further strengthening the agricultural trade partnership between India and the GCC region,” he said, singling out GI-tagged varieties – including Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli, and Dasheri – as emblematic of India’s premium export offering.
LuLu Group Chairman Yusuffali M.A. described the festival as a sustained commitment to both cultural promotion and agricultural support. “This is the 23rd year of LuLu Mango Mania, and this year alone we are bringing nearly 3,200 tonnes of mangoes to the GCC region,” he said. “Through this festival, we aim to introduce the rich diversity of Indian mangoes to the multicultural communities in the Gulf while also supporting farmers and agricultural exports from India and other sourcing markets.”
Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India at Dubai said Dubai is perhaps hosting the world’s largest showcase of Indian mango varieties, with 83 varieties on display under one roof. He noted that the initiative, made possible with the support of Lulu, highlights the deep economic and cultural ties between India and the UAE
India occupies a dominant position in global mango production, accounting for more than 45 percent of total world output and cultivating upwards of 1,200 varieties, 17 of which carry geographical indication status. Export volumes have risen considerably in recent years – from approximately 23,000 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to over 32,000 metric tonnes in 2023-24. Data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics indicates that between April and January of the current financial year, exports had already reached 30,947 metric tonnes, valued at over 52 million US dollars. The UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar remain among the principal destination markets.
In addition to fresh produce, the festival features an assortment of mango-based food products and ready-to-consume preparations – including pulps, juices, pickles, and traditional Indian confections – presented alongside themed displays and promotional offers at participating stores across the GCC.
APEDA, which organises mango festivals, tasting events, and buyer-seller meets in international markets each year, regards platforms such as LuLu Mango Mania as central to its broader mandate of expanding India’s share of global tropical fruit trade and strengthening the linkage between domestic agricultural producers and overseas consumers.
