Pakistani Mango Prices Surge 20% in UAE Amid Strong Demand and Supply Challenges
Pakistani mangoes have seen a significant price increase in the UAE this summer, with costs rising approximately 20% compared to last year. Despite this surge, consumer demand remains robust as shoppers continue to purchase the beloved fruit. Factors contributing to this price hike include a delayed start to the mango season in Pakistan, reduced crop yields, and escalating freight costs.
Prices Rise as Supply Tightens
Retailers across the UAE report that Pakistani mangoes have become noticeably more expensive this season. Gul Raiz Yaseen, Director of Pakistan Supermarket LLC, noted that demand has consistently grown, with a diverse customer base increasingly opting for Pakistani mangoes due to their rich flavor and quality.
At Pakistan Supermarket, a 3kg to 3.5kg box of Sindhri mangoes, which previously retailed for around Dh40 to Dh45, is now priced at approximately Dh50. Premium varieties such as Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol have also seen price increases, with costs rising from Dh60 to Dh65 last year to about Dh70 per box this season. Yaseen attributed these price increases primarily to higher air freight costs, which have escalated from around PKR350 per kilogram to nearly PKR500, significantly inflating import expenses.
Delayed Season Affects Availability
Brian Ballinger, Head of Commercial at Choithrams, explained that Pakistan’s mango season commenced later than usual this year, beginning in the first week of June. He indicated that overall crop production has decreased by approximately 20% to 30%, resulting in fewer mangoes available on supermarket shelves. Although sea shipments have resumed, premium-quality fruit continues to be imported by air, contributing to elevated prices. Ballinger mentioned that shoppers may experience tighter availability throughout the season, even as demand remains strong despite the delayed harvest.
Why Shoppers Still Prefer Pakistani Mangoes
Despite the rising prices, retailers assert that customers continue to favor Pakistani mangoes for their unique taste and limited seasonal availability. These mangoes are typically available for only about two months each year, making them a highly anticipated summer fruit among UAE residents.
Popular varieties include:
- Sindhri: Known for its large size, sweetness, and rich aroma.
- Chaunsa: Famous for its soft, fiberless flesh and exceptionally sweet flavor.
- Anwar Ratol: A smaller variety prized for its intense sweetness and smooth texture.
Yaseen noted that each variety offers a distinct flavor profile, encouraging customers to return throughout the season. At Choithrams, Sindhri remains the best-selling Pakistani mango, closely followed by Chaunsa.
Shipping Disruptions Pushed Costs Higher
Importers have identified logistics challenges as a significant factor behind this year’s price increases. Ali Akram, Managing Partner at Nahel Vegetables & Fruits Trading LLC, stated that the mango season started approximately 10 to 15 days later than usual due to shipping companies temporarily halting cargo bookings. Consequently, many importers were compelled to rely on costly air freight.
At the season’s outset, a 5kg box of Sindhri mangoes, which sold for Dh35 to Dh36 last year, reached prices between Dh70 and Dh75, nearly doubling in cost. Although ocean freight has resumed and now accounts for about 99% of shipments, prices remain elevated compared to last year.
Longer Journeys Affect Fruit Quality
Shipping delays have also impacted the quality of the mangoes. Akram explained that mangoes are highly sensitive to heat and long transit times. Previously, shipments from Pakistan reached the UAE within three to five days. This year, however, vessels were rerouted through ports such as Fujairah and Khor Fakkan before arriving at Jebel Ali, leading to unpredictable delivery schedules. Some shipments have taken 15 to 20 days to arrive, increasing the risk of spoilage before reaching supermarket shelves.
Retailers Adapt to Maintain Supply
In response to these disruptions, retailers have adjusted their sourcing strategies to ensure mangoes remain available. Importers are now purchasing whichever premium-quality mangoes are accessible, rather than waiting for specific varieties. Grocery platform Careem Quik has established long-term partnerships with suppliers to maintain steady supplies despite global logistics challenges. The company also sources produce from multiple countries, reducing reliance on any single market while ensuring customers can find mangoes in stock.
Demand Remains Strong
Despite the increased prices and limited supply, retailers report that demand has not diminished. Akram noted that Pakistani mangoes have a loyal customer base among Pakistani and Indian expatriates, with an increasing number of other nationalities also purchasing the fruit. Unlike apples or bananas, which are available year-round, Pakistani mangoes have a short season, prompting shoppers to buy them before they disappear from the market. Retailers anticipate that demand will remain strong for the remainder of the season, although they hope freight costs will decrease next year to make the fruit more affordable for consumers.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
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Published on 2026-07-06 09:54:00 • By the Editorial Desk
