Outlook Business Desk
India’s mango exports are experiencing a transformation, with Kesar mangoes surpassing Alphonso in popularity due to affordability and robust demand in global markets.
Kesar mangoes from Gujarat have become the top export variety, favored for their sweet taste and cost-effectiveness, especially in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Oman, Germany , Netherland and UAE.
India’s overall mango exports, excluding sliced dried mango and pulp, fell by 6.3% to $56.34 million in FY25 from $60.14 million in FY24. This is also below the peak Alphonso exports of $60.26 million recorded in FY19, when Alphonso was the sole exported variety, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Once the ‘king of mangoes’, Alphonso’s exports have declined due to higher prices and limited availability, leading buyers to opt for more affordable alternatives.
Traders say there’s a broader shift in global demand, especially among retail chains and the Indian diaspora. Improved farming practices have helped more Indian mango varieties enter key export markets.
Ikram Hussain, CEO of Indian Society for Agricultural Research or International Society for Agricultural Resources (ISAR) Exports, said rising Alphonso prices—mainly due to expensive air cargo shipments taxed at 18% GST—have reduced exports. Sea shipments carry only 5% GST, benefiting other varieties. He urged the government to reconsider GST on air cargo as affordable varieties lower Alphonso demand.
The Commerce Ministry reported that in FY24, Kesar mango exports reached ₹11.48 billion, surpassing Alphonso’s ₹8.56 billion. So far in FY25, Kesar continues to lead in export volume compared to Alphonso.
Alongside Kesar, exports of other affordable mango varieties like Chaunsa, Dusheri, Totapari, Banganapalli, and even non-branded mangoes have also risen this season, showing broader market demand.