First Indian mangoes reach Europe after lifting of ban

Kay Bee Exports, India’s leading fresh fruits and vegetable exporter, has successfully shipped a consignment of the delicious Alphonso mangoes to UK using Vapor Heat Treatment.

The EU had banned Indian mangoes and four other vegetables with effect from 1st May 2014, which brought the 2014 summer mangoes to an abrupt halt. However, after a re-audit in the month of September 2014 and assurances from the Indian government, the ban on Indian mangoes was lifted earlier this month.

The Indian government had recommended a hot water treatment prior to export of mangoes. Along with hot water treatment, APEDA (Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Development Authority), a trade facilitating body, proposed adoption of Vapor Heat Treatment on the same lines as export for Japan to ensure elimination of fruit fly. This was accepted by India’s NPPO (National Plant Protection Organisation). This paved way for the first export of mangoes to UK by Kay Bee Exports.

Mr. Prakash Khakhar of Kay Bee Exports was quite excited with the first shipment going to the UK. He said that the untiring efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture, especially Mr. U. K. Singh, Mr. DDK Sharma and Dr. J. P. Singh helped the ban to be lifted quickly. Mr. A. S. Rawat, Dr. Sudhanshu and Mr. Ravindra from APEDA assisted the trade in getting the VHT protocol approved for exports to Europe. Mr. Milind Akre and Mr. Tambale from MSAMB (Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board) readied the VHT facility in quick time. Dr. Patni and his team of Pythosanitary inspectors inspected the first shipment before issuing a Pythosanitary certificate.

Indian mangoes are renowned to be one of the finest in the world. They are known for their soft flesh, thin skin and alluring aroma. While this translates into a great-eating mango, it also poses several logistical challenges. Soft-skinned varieties like the Alphoso and Kesar can only be air-freighted. The unit price of the mango thus is significantly higher than other sea-freighted varieties. However, for true mango connoisseurs, nothing but the best will do!

Kay Bee Exports is a market leader not only in terms of volume but also in terms of the quality of mangoes. It sources its mangoes from certified and well-managed orchards from the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Kaushal Khakhar, CEO of Kay Bee Exports has expressed a lot of optimism and is confident that with good backward linkages and effective post-harvest treatments, India will be successfully able to offer pest-free fresh produce to importing countries around the world. He was also grateful to DEFRA, UK for helping with capacity building and assisting the exporter’s association with valuable information. Kay Bee is gearing up for a strong mango campaign in the coming months with exports planned to various countries in Europe, USA, Middle East and South East Asia.

For more information:

Kaushal Khakhar

Office: +91 22 41578900
Mobile : + 91 9870405667
export@kaybeeexports.com