The Pakistani Consulate had invited diplomats, members of the business community, representatives of the chambers of commerce, importers and exporters to the festival to promote Pakistani mangoes in the Middle East and other Gulf countries. The event held at Palazzo Versace Dubai featured varieties of mangoes and food prepared from the same.
“This is the first time [we have organised such an event] and the response is very positive,” Ahmad Amjad Ali, “As the festival kicked off everybody who came to know about it now wants to come. Some 19 varieties of mangoes are being displayed.” said Pakistani Consul General Amjad Ali while talking to Arab News.
Ali was of the view that many local Arabs aren't familiar with Pakistani mangoes, through such events it would be possible to introduce Pakistani variety of mangoes to the Arab world.
Pakistani Mangoes are exported all over the world while the Middle East and the gulf remains an important destination for the 'King of Fruit'.
According to Arab News, Pakistan is expecting to export 100,000 metric tons of mangoes this fiscal year (FY20) as the country expects a “mango crop size of 1.8 million tons.”
Exporters feel that branding and promotional events like the one in Dubai will help them achieve their targets for the upcoming fiscal year.
“Last year 75,000 tons of mango was exported from Pakistan; this year, the country is expected to earn $80 million by exporting 100,000 tons of mango during the current season,” Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association`s (PFVA) Ahmed said. He further added that markets in China and the United States would be the major focus of exports this year.
Famous commercial scale varieties of the Pakistani mango are Chaunsa, Sindhri, White Chaunsa, Dusehri, and Anwar Ratool while many other varieties, including Langra, Saroli, and others. Majority of them grow in the plains of Punjab and Sindh.