Air India transported approximately 1,000 tons of Indian mangoes in April 2025 to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, as noted in an official release. This distribution indicates a rise in global demand for Indian mango varieties during the summer export period.
The airline shipped popular mango types like Alphonso from Maharashtra and Safeda and Dussehri from Uttar Pradesh. As per the company statement, the majority of these mangoes, over 75%, originated from Western India, reaching 43 destinations in 31 countries. India stands as the foremost producer of mangoes globally, cultivating over 1,000 unique varieties.
Export demand focuses on premium Alphonso and Kesar cultivars, recognized for their flavor and aroma. Mangoes provide antioxidants linked to reduced cancer risk and vitamins supporting skin health—attributes acknowledged in Ayurvedic practices for millennia.
International demand for Indian mangoes remains substantial, as evidenced by their presence from gourmet grocers in New York to London's weekend markets. In response, Air India has elevated the seasonal transport of mangoes to a bustling cargo segment, with shipments destined for Toronto, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Sydney.
"Perishable movement has seen a significant increase this past year—mangoes being one of the more conspicuous examples," remarked Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India. "We continue to make investments in enhancing our cold-chain infrastructure, streamlining processes at key airports, and strengthening our partnerships with exporters to make Air India the preferred choice for fresh cargo," Mamidala added.
To preserve product quality, mangoes are stored in temperature-controlled, APEDA-certified facilities prior to transport. Airports employ thermal blankets and refrigerated dollies to maintain the necessary temperature range for shipments. The airline's cargo teams follow specific procedures for handling perishable commodities. "Our teams handle mango shipments with the same precision and care you'd reserve for delicate glassware," Mamidala stated. He also mentioned, "For us, this mango season is about more than simply transporting fruit. It's about sharing the story of India's farm-to-globe journey, driven by Air India's vast network, consistency, and cutting-edge cargo capabilities."
The mango season typically spans from March to July, with peak export volumes occurring in April and May.
Source: STAT Trade Times
