Pakistani mangoes are costing more in the UAE this summer. However, retailers say demand remains strong despite tighter supplies and rising freight costs.
Retailers estimate prices are about 20 percent higher than last year. Premium varieties imported by air have become even more expensive. They attribute the increase to lower crop volumes, delayed harvesting and higher transport costs.
Gul Raiz Yaseen, Director of Pakistan Supermarket LLC, said demand continues to rise every year.
“Every year, demand increases a lot,” he said. “Earlier, Pakistani customers would buy them regularly, but now people from other nationalities also come to us because they want Pakistani mangoes.”
A 3kg to 3.5kg box of Sindhri mangoes previously sold for Dh40 to Dh45. This year, it costs about Dh50. Premium Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol varieties have increased from Dh60 to Dh65 per box last year to nearly Dh70 this season.
Yaseen said air freight charges rose from around PKR350 per kilogram to nearly PKR500.
“That is why freight charges have increased,” he said. “At the start of the season, flights were also limited, but now the situation has gone back to normal. The freight charges, however, remain higher.”
Delayed season and shipping issues tighten supply
Brian Ballinger, Head of Commercial at Choithrams, said Pakistan’s mango season began later than usual. It started during the first week of June.
“While overall crop volumes are down by around 20-30%, mangoes are reaching the UAE through sea shipments, and premium-quality produce is being brought in by air,” he said.
He added, “Shoppers may notice tighter availability this season. Overall supply is down by around 20-30%, and prices are also approximately 20% higher compared to previous years.”
Importers also faced serious shipping disruptions.
Ali Akram, Managing Partner at Nahel Vegetables & Fruits Trading LLC, said, “There has been a gap of around 10 to 15 days, which is huge in our business.”
He explained that vessels followed longer routes because of disruptions at Jebel Ali Port. Some shipments first arrived at Fujairah or Khor Fakkan before reaching Dubai. Delivery times increased sharply. Trips that once took three to five days sometimes stretched to 15 or even 20 days. This also affected fruit quality because mangoes spoil quickly.
At the beginning of the season, a 5kg box of Sindhri mangoes sold for Dh70 to Dh75. Last year, the same box cost only Dh35 to Dh36. Prices have eased since sea freight resumed. Even so, they remain above last year’s levels.
Strong demand keeps sales moving
Despite higher prices, retailers say shoppers continue buying Pakistani mangoes. Home deliveries, office gifts and family purchases remain strong.
Pakistan’s best-known varieties include Sindhri, Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol. Each offers a distinct taste, aroma and texture. Retailers say Sindhri remains the most popular variety in the UAE, followed by Chaunsa.
Choithrams said its long-term supplier network helped maintain steady supplies. Careem Quik also credited early planning and diversified sourcing for keeping shelves stocked with premium Pakistani mangoes.
Akram said demand has remained remarkably resilient.
“I have not seen a reduction in demand,” he said. “Mangoes have a very strong pull in this market because the season is very short, around two to two and a half months. There is strong demand from Pakistani and Indian customers, and also from other nationalities.”
Yaseen hopes transport costs ease before next season.
“I hope prices do not go much higher next year,” he said. “It will depend on freight and other costs.”
