The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, recently organized a Mango Promotion Programme in Abu Dhabi. The initiative was part of its broader efforts to boost the international profile of Indian agricultural exports, especially mangoes. This event marked the launch of ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025’, a vibrant in-store mango festival held in partnership with the Indian Embassy in the UAE and the Lulu Group. Coinciding with peak mango season, the campaign aimed to highlight India’s premier mango varieties to global buyers, particularly among the Indian diaspora in the UAE and Gulf region.
A variety of premium and GI-tagged mangoes were showcased, including regional specialties like 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 India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Shri Sunjay Sudhir, in the presence of Lulu Group Chairman Shri Yusuff Ali M.A. Also in attendance were Shri Rohit Mishra, Counsellor (Trade & Investment) at the Indian Embassy; Dr. C.B. Singh, Deputy General Manager of APEDA; and other notable guests.
Ambassador Sudhir praised Lulu for its continued role in promoting Indian agricultural goods abroad and emphasized APEDA’s efforts to connect Indian mango producers with UAE markets. He noted that the festival would bring the unique flavors of mangoes from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and the eastern states to consumers across the Gulf.
Lulu Group Chairman Shri Yusuff Ali M.A. expressed his support, stating that Lulu remains dedicated to showcasing India’s best produce through its retail network throughout the UAE and Gulf.
APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev, in a statement from India, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to growing agricultural and processed food exports. He highlighted APEDA’s role in facilitating air shipments of diverse mango varieties from major mango-producing states. This initiative not only celebrates India’s rich mango heritage but also creates valuable export avenues and supports farmers.
The festival also featured a wide array of mango-based culinary offerings, including:
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Bakery & Desserts: Mango pastries, Swiss rolls, macaroons, cakes, doughnuts, and mango bread
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Traditional Indian Cuisine: Mango pulao, mango kichadi, mango fish curry, chutney, and mambazha payasam
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Snacks & Salads: Mango fritters, raita, chaat, and tropical salads
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Global Fusion Dishes: Mango sushi, mango-stuffed chicken, mango chapli kebab
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Pickles & Preserves: Garlic mango pickle, mango-dates pickle, Kashmiri-style pickles
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Beverages: Mango smoothies, juices, jams, jellies, and pulps
The UAE remains India’s largest market for mango exports. In 2024, India exported over 12,000 metric tonnes of mangoes valued at USD 20 million to the UAE, reflecting sustained demand.
APEDA continues to work towards expanding India’s global agricultural footprint by enhancing market access for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and agri-exporters—reinforcing India’s position as a major supplier of high-quality, diverse agri-food products.