ABU DHABI / UAE, 4 July 2025: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, organized the vibrant ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025’ festival in Abu Dhabi as part of its ongoing efforts to promote Indian mango exports globally.
Held in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group, the event took place at the Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, during the peak mango season, targeting the large Indian diaspora and international consumers across the Gulf region.
The festival showcased premium Indian mango varieties, including several geographically indicated (GI) tagged specialties such as Banarasi Langda, Dasheri, Chausa, Sunderja, Amrapali, Malda, Bharat Bhog, Prabha Shankar, Lakshman Bhog, Mahmood Bahar, Vrindavani, Fasli, and Mallika.
These varieties highlight India’s rich horticultural diversity and the high quality of mangoes grown in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and the Eastern region.
The campaign was inaugurated by Shri Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, in the presence of Lulu Group Chairman Shri Yusuff Ali M.A., APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev (via message), Embassy of India officials, and other dignitaries.
Sudhir emphasized the vital role of Lulu in promoting Indian agricultural produce in the Gulf and lauded APEDA’s efforts to connect Indian mango growers with new markets.
He said, “Through this festival, the freshness and richness of Indian mangoes will reach households across the Gulf.”
Yusuff Ali reaffirmed Lulu Group’s commitment to strengthening India-Gulf trade linkages by showcasing the best of Indian produce through its retail chains across the UAE and the region.
APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev highlighted the organization’s initiatives to airlift diverse mango varieties from India’s key producing states, creating significant export opportunities and supporting farmers.
Beyond fresh fruit displays, the promotion featured a wide array of mango-based culinary delights, appealing to diverse tastes. Visitors enjoyed mango pastries, Swiss rolls, doughnuts, macaroons, and mango bread and cakes from bakeries.
Traditional Indian dishes included Mambazha payasam, mango pulao, mango fish curry, mango chutney, and mango kichadi.
Snacks and salads like mango fritters, chaat, raita, and tropical salads were served alongside global fusion items such as mango sushi, mango-stuffed chicken, and mango chapli kebab. Pickles and preserves like mango-dates pickle, garlic mango pickle, and Kashmiri-style pickles were also available, along with beverages including fresh mango juices, smoothies, pulps, jams, and jellies.
The UAE continues to be India’s top export destination for mangoes. In 2024 alone, India exported over 12,000 metric tons of mangoes valued at USD 20 million to the UAE, underscoring the strong demand for Indian produce in the Gulf markets.
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.
With campaigns like ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025,’ India aims to consolidate its position as a global leader in high-quality and diverse agri-food products, while providing sustainable growth opportunities for the farming community.
This initiative not only celebrates the cultural and culinary heritage of Indian mangoes but also bolsters the livelihoods of millions of farmers, contributing to the broader goals of rural prosperity and agricultural export growth.
