This season, Indian mangoes have entered the New Zealand market at lower price points due to price competition among various retailers. Mangoes from India have been prominently featured in chains like Woolworths, Farro Fresh, and Foodstuffs, which incorporates New World and Pak'nSave outlets.
Prasad Salaskar of Salient Enterprises, responsible for importing and distributing Indian mangoes across retailers, shared a mixed perspective on the season. "It is definitely heartening to see Indian mangoes being sold at major supermarkets this year," Salaskar stated. "You can say we have achieved our goal of mainstreaming Indian mangoes in New Zealand."
Despite this achievement, Salaskar highlighted issues of price undercutting, particularly on the Kesar variety. "It was a year of too many importers, leading to market saturation. Ultimately, some [retailers] resorted to selling the fruit below cost," he commented, noting that such pricing tactics devalue the mangoes.
Another importer, Nirmal Pandey of Mango Bite in Auckland, corroborated these sentiments. Pandey mentioned a tripling of imports for his brand. "While some retailers did try to initiate price wars, I believe customers have become savvy too," Pandey noted. Despite not engaging in price reductions, they experienced a robust season.
According to Salaskar, the competitive pricing scenario is more apparent in Auckland, where retailer competition is intense. To address this, Salaskar aims to broaden his distribution network nationally and collaborate with larger supermarket chains.
In New Zealand, retail prices for Indian mangoes, which vary based on variety and timing, range from $50 to $85 per carton. Mangoes are generally more expensive at the start and end of the season. Additionally, while the Kesar variety is popular, other varieties such as Alphonso, Langra, and Dasheri are gaining market share annually.
Hitesh Sharma of Maia Foods in Christchurch noted a 20% increase in sales and doubled diversity in mango varieties this season. All mango imports must meet New Zealand's Import Health Standard, requiring fumigation in approved facilities in Mumbai and Tirupati.
Salaskar reported that logistics improvements have minimized wastage by 50%. Pandey remains optimistic about the outlook for mango imports, hinting at the addition of more vapor treatment facilities to support expansion. "So, overall, things are looking bright for Indian mangoes in New Zealand year by year," he stated.
Source: RNZ
