APEDA launches ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025’ in Abu Dhabi, showcasing GI-tagged mangoes and culinary delights.
India’s iconic mangoes took centre stage in Abu Dhabi as APEDA kicked off the vibrant ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025’ festival, a flavour-packed initiative aimed at promoting premium Indian mango exports in the Gulf region.
Organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the mango promotion campaign is being held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group. The event opened at LuLu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, just as the mango season peaks—bringing the taste of India to international consumers and the large Indian diaspora across the UAE.
The festival was officially inaugurated by Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, alongside Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali M.A., and attended by dignitaries including Rohit Mishra (Counsellor – Trade & Investment), Dr. C.B. Singh (Deputy General Manager, APEDA), and other senior officials.
The spotlight was on a diverse array of premium Indian mangoes, including GI-tagged and regional gems such as Banarasi Langda, Dasheri, Chausa, Sunderja, Amrapali, Malda, Bharat Bhog, Prabha Shankar, Lakshman Bhog, Mahmood Bahar, Vrindavani, Fasli, and Mallika—each with a unique story and flavour.
Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir highlighted the UAE’s importance as a key market for Indian produce and lauded Lulu’s contribution to promoting Indian fruits globally. “This festival connects mango growers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and the eastern region directly to households across the Gulf,” he said.
Yusuff Ali echoed the sentiment, reaffirming Lulu Group’s commitment to strengthening India–UAE trade ties. “We’re proud to bring the best of India to our customers through our extensive retail network,” he noted.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, in his message, emphasised the agency’s role in facilitating the airlifting of mangoes from key Indian states. “This initiative celebrates India’s mango diversity while opening up meaningful export opportunities for farmers and producers,” he said.
The event also featured a feast of mango-based creations, from bakery delights like mango cakes, Swiss rolls, and doughnuts to traditional Indian favourites like mango pulao, chutneys, and Mambazha payasam. Global fusion dishes such as mango sushi and mango-stuffed chicken wowed visitors, alongside refreshing mango beverages, pickles, and preserves.
With over 12,000 MT of Indian mangoes worth USD 20 million exported to the UAE in 2024, the country remains India’s largest mango market. APEDA continues to push forward India’s agri-export ambitions, supporting FPOs, FPCs, and exporters, and positioning Indian horticulture on the global stage.
Source: PIB
