The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, organized a Mango Promotion Programme in Abu Dhabi as part of its continued efforts to enhance the global presence of Indian agricultural produce—particularly mangoes. The event marked the launch of Indian Mango Mania 2025, a vibrant in-store mango festival held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group.
Timed with the peak of the mango season, the promotion aims to introduce India’s finest mango varieties to international consumers, especially the large Indian diaspora across the UAE and the Gulf region. The festival featured premium GI-tagged and regional mango varieties including Banarasi Langda, Dasheri, Chausa, Sunderja, Amrapali, Malda, Bharat Bhog, Prabha Shankar, Lakshman Bhog, Mahmood Bahar, Vrindavani, Fasli, and Mallika.
The campaign was officially inaugurated at LuLu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi, by the Ambassador of India to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, in the presence of Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali M.A. Also present were Rohit Mishra, Counsellor (Trade & Investment), Embassy of India; C.B. Singh, Deputy General Manager, APEDA; and other dignitaries.
Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir highlighted LuLu’s vital role in promoting Indian agricultural produce globally and acknowledged APEDA’s efforts in connecting Indian mango growers with Gulf markets. “Through this festival, the freshness and richness of Indian mangoes, especially from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and the Eastern region, will reach households across the Gulf,” he said.
Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali M.A. reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening India–Gulf market linkages. “Lulu is proud to showcase the best of India through our retail chains across the UAE and the Gulf region,” he said.
In a message from India, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev reiterated APEDA’s commitment to boosting exports of agricultural and processed food products. “We have facilitated the airlifting of diverse mango varieties from multiple states. This initiative not only celebrates India’s mango diversity but also opens new export avenues for Indian growers and supports the farming community,” he said.
Mango on the Menu: A Culinary Showcase
Alongside fresh mango displays, the festival featured a variety of mango-based culinary delights—from bakery treats and traditional Indian dishes to global fusion creations. Highlights included mango pastries, pulao, chutneys, sushi, stuffed chicken, and pickles. The event also offered refreshing mango beverages, smoothies, jams, and jellies, showcasing the fruit’s rich culinary versatility.
Strong Demand from the Gulf Market
The UAE continues to be India’s leading export destination for mangoes. In 2024, India exported over 12,000 metric tonnes of mangoes worth USD 20 million to the UAE, underscoring robust demand for Indian produce in the region.
APEDA remains committed to expanding India’s agricultural exports by improving market access for farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), farmer-producer companies (FPCs), and agri-exporters, while positioning India as a global leader in high-quality and diverse agri-food products.