The return of Chaunsa, Alfonso, and Sindhri to the UAE market

The mango season has started in the UAE, and Dubai's markets are filled with popular varieties of mangoes from India, Pakistan, Yemen, and Fujairah.

In the Dubai Waterfront market, boxes of Pakistani Chaunsa (up to 2.8 kg) are sold for around 40 dirhams, while Sindhri varieties are priced at about 55 dirhams for each 3 kg box. Indian mangoes like Alfonso are also sold for nearly 50 dirhams per box, and varieties such as Maliga, Badami, Banginapalli, and Dussehri are priced between 35 to 45 dirhams depending on the size and quality of the fruit.

Yemeni mangoes are still an affordable option, with their 4 kg boxes priced at around 35 dirhams. Additionally, locally produced Fujairah mangoes are sold for about 20 dirhams per kilogram.

Aslam, a trader at the Waterfront market, said:

“The season has just begun, and demand is high right from the start. Most varieties of mango are slightly more expensive than last year because the supply is still limited. When more shipments arrive in the coming weeks, prices will become more competitive.”

Another trader named Aminul Islam added that people can expect a slight increase in price per kilogram compared to previous years and said:

“Many customers are looking for their favorite varieties, especially Chaunsa and Alfonso. Although the prices on the boards are fixed, traders often offer discounts of 2 to 5 dirhams after bargaining.”

In the Al Aweer fruit and vegetable market, Mushtaq Ahmed said that wholesale prices are usually 5 to 10 dirhams less than retail prices, but this year prices are slightly higher than at the beginning of last season. He also explained that delays in shipments sometimes lead to price increases:

“Sometimes shipments arrive a few days late, and this affects market supply. Demand is particularly high at the start of the season, so prices remain high.”

Mushtaq Ahmed added that customer buying behavior has also changed:

“In previous years, many would buy two or three boxes. This year, many are initially buying one box and waiting to see how prices change.”

A review of the West Zone supermarket in Al Seef showed that Chaunsa and Badami mangoes are sold for 19.95 dirhams per kilogram, while Yemeni varieties like Thai and Chukanan are priced at 15.95 dirhams. Sweet mangoes from Jordan are also among the more affordable options, selling for 10.95 dirhams per kilogram.

Chaunsa and Alfonso are among the most popular varieties this season and have high demand among mango lovers across the UAE. Yemeni mangoes remain popular for those looking for a cheaper option.

Traders predict that with more shipments arriving in the coming weeks, prices may gradually decrease.

Aslam said:

“So right now, mango lovers may have to spend a little more to taste the fruit of the season.”

Source: Gulf Times