Kesar and Hapus Mangoes From Gujarat Win Global Hearts: Aroma of India Reaches London Markets

Gandhinagar, May 2026 : The rich aroma of Gujarat’s famed Kesar mangoes continues to create a lasting impression across global markets, with exporters and importers alike describing their arrival in foreign countries as a sensory experience that evokes pride and nostalgia. For many in the Indian diaspora, the arrival of mango consignments from India is more than trade—it is an emotional connection to home.

Digvijaysinh Gohil, a mango importer based in England, said that every shipment of Kesar and Hapus mangoes arriving at London’s Heathrow Airport transforms the atmosphere of the cargo terminal. “Whenever boxes of Kesar and Hapus mangoes from Gujarat are unloaded, the entire cargo area is filled with their fragrance. It fills me with pride about my identity,” he said.

Gohil is not alone in his admiration. Indian-origin communities across the world continue to show a strong preference for India’s premium mango varieties, particularly Gujarat’s Kesar and Maharashtra’s Alphonso (Hapus), which are widely regarded as the finest mangoes globally. Despite competition from mango-producing countries such as Brazil and Peru, Indian varieties continue to dominate premium export markets due to their distinctive sweetness, aroma, and texture.

Industry experts note that while South American mangoes are available in large quantities in international markets, they are often unable to match the depth of flavour and richness offered by Indian varieties, particularly Kesar, which is popularly referred to as the “Queen of Mangoes,” while Alphonso is known as the “King of Mangoes.”

Exporters emphasise that the journey of these mangoes from orchard to overseas shelves involves a highly regulated and scientific process. Before export, mangoes are processed and packed at APEDA-accredited facilities to ensure compliance with international phytosanitary standards.

Samir Sapariya, owner of Kunj Cold Ware Solution, an APEDA-approved pack house, explained the meticulous procedures involved in preparing mangoes for export. “We carry out all necessary processing at our facility. Each consignment is handled according to the specific requirements of importing countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and several European and Gulf nations,” he said.

He added that different countries require different treatment protocols. “For exports to the US, we use a specialised hot water treatment process, which has received excellent response. For destinations like England and Canada, mangoes undergo hot water treatment followed by controlled ripening before packing,” Sapariya said. He also confirmed that varieties such as Kesar, Rajapuri, and Alphonso are processed for international markets.

The Kesar mango, primarily cultivated in the orchards of Gir region, particularly Junagadh, Talala, and parts of Kutch, has now evolved into a globally recognised brand. Rajapuri mangoes are sourced from Valsad, further strengthening Gujarat’s position in India’s fruit export ecosystem.

Sapariya noted that global success is a result of combining natural quality with modern technology. “When a product has inherent excellence and is supported by scientific processing, it can achieve global recognition and respect,” he said.

Another major development in the export ecosystem is the growing role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). These collectives are enabling farmers to directly participate in export markets without intermediaries, allowing them greater control over pricing and revenue. Government support in the form of subsidies and logistical assistance is also helping expand participation.

Exporters believe this success story is not limited to mangoes alone. Plans are underway to introduce Gujarat’s premium vegetables—including G-4 chillies, okra, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, and sponge gourd—to international markets using the same advanced processing and export framework.

According to officials, this expansion is expected to begin after the monsoon season, marking another step in positioning Gujarat as a global hub for premium agricultural exports.