In a vibrant celebration of India’s mango heritage, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, launched the ‘Indian Mango Mania 2025’ in Abu Dhabi. Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of India in the UAE and the Lulu Group, the initiative is part of APEDA’s ongoing efforts to expand the global reach of Indian agricultural exports, especially premium mango varieties.
Held at LuLu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, the event was timed with the peak of the mango season to maximize visibility and consumer engagement. The campaign was officially inaugurated by Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, in the presence of Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of the Lulu Group. Also attending were Rohit Mishra, Counsellor (Trade & Investment), Embassy of India; Dr. C.B. Singh, Deputy General Manager, APEDA; and other dignitaries.
The festival showcased a dazzling array of GI-tagged and region-specific Indian mangoes, including varieties such as Banarasi Langda, Dasheri, Chausa, Sunderja, Amrapali, Malda, Bharat Bhog, Prabha Shankar, Lakshman Bhog, Mahmood Bahar, Vrindavani, Fasli, and Mallika. These varieties, sourced primarily from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and other parts of Eastern India, were flown in with APEDA’s logistical support.
Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Sudhir praised Lulu’s role in promoting Indian produce globally and acknowledged APEDA’s efforts in connecting Indian growers to the UAE market. “Through this festival, the freshness and richness of Indian mangoes will reach households across the Gulf,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali stated, “Lulu is proud to showcase the best of India through our retail chains across the UAE and Gulf region,” reaffirming the group’s commitment to strengthening India–Gulf agri-market linkages.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, in a message, emphasized the strategic value of the initiative. “This not only celebrates India’s mango diversity but also opens export opportunities for Indian growers and supports the farming community,” he said. He also noted that APEDA has facilitated the airlifting of mangoes from multiple regions to ensure freshness and quality.
Adding flavour to the promotion, the festival also featured a wide assortment of mango-based culinary innovations. Highlights included:
Bakery & Desserts: Mango pastries, Swiss rolls, doughnuts, macaroons, mango cakes
Traditional Dishes: Mambazha payasam, mango pulao, mango chutney, mango kichadi
Snacks & Salads: Mango fritters, raita, tropical salads, mango chaat
Global Fusion: Mango sushi, mango-stuffed chicken, mango chapli kebab
Pickles & Preserves: Mango-dates pickle, garlic mango pickle, Kashmiri-style pickles
Beverages: Fresh mango juices, smoothies, pulps, jams, and jellies
The UAE continues to be the top export destination for Indian mangoes. In 2024 alone, India exported over 12,000 metric tonnes of mangoes worth $20 million to the UAE. APEDA remains dedicated to strengthening this trade by enhancing market access for Indian agri-exporters, FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), and FPCs (Farmer Producer Companies), while positioning India as a global hub for premium and diverse agri-food products.