The first commercial shipment of about 800 boxes of Pakistani Chausa mango arrived in the United States at the beginning of Ramadan. All of it was immediately sold out at a steep price of $60-$100 for a box of six chausa mangoes, making it the costliest fruit in America. Prior to this new record price, India's Alphonso mango was the most expensive variety of fruit in the US, with a box (weighing about 3 kg and containing nine to 12 mangoes) being sold this year at $40 to $80 in the retail market, according to Hindustan Times.
Currently, Mexican mango varieties are widely available in the United States at fairly low prices. A box of 6 Kent or 12 Ataulfo mangoes retails for about $10 to $15. Ataulfo is a small, very sweet and juicy, kidney-shaped mango with delicate skin. Kent is also very sweet and about twice the size and weight of Ataulfo. Both of these varieties are popular with the people of South Asian origin in America. Others include Haden and Keitt. Some of these varieties are also grown in southern parts of California and Florida in tropical climates.
Mangoes have been grown in South Asia for thousands of years. Among South Asian nations, India is the largest grower and the biggest exporter of mangoes with 13.6 million tons produced each year. Pakistan is the fifth largest producer and third largest exporter of mangoes with annual production of about 2 million tons a year. Pakistan accounts for 8.5% of world’s mango crop and mainly exports to the Middle East, Iran, Germany, Japan, China and Hong Kong.
Beginning in the 16th century, mango seeds and plants gradually found their way to many other parts of the world as the world trade expanded, reaching the Americas in the 19th century, starting with Florida's Cape Sable in 1833. In addition to India and Pakistan, nations such as China, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines are now also among the world's biggest producers of mangoes.
Mangoes are known to be rich in vitamin A, C and E and fiber as well as various anti-oxidants considered be healthy. Some of the claims made for health benefits of mango include healthy skin, improved digestion, better memory, increased sex drive, and resistance against heart disease and cancer.
While the first batch of the latest import of Pakistani Chausa has been snapped up by mango lovers at exorbitant prices, it is hard to imagine Pakistani-Americans' readiness to pay such huge premium over Ataulfo and Kent on an ongoing basis. I would personally be willing to pay $20 to $30 a box, still a hefty premium of 100% over what's currently available in California, to enjoy the superior taste, texture and flavor of Pakistani Chausa. I expect that the price will eventually get there as the imports of Pakistani Chaunsa in North America scale up over time.
Over time, let's hope that these sweet Pakistani mangoes will also help sweeten the US-Pakistan ties which have considerably soured since the US secret raid in Pakistan to kill bin Laden in May of this year.
Pakistani Chaunsa mangoes are now available online at pksweetmagoes.com
Here's a CBC video clip of Pakistani chausa selling in Toronto, Canada:
Related Links:
Haq's Musings
Pakistanis' Dietary Habits
Food, Clothing and Shelter in India and Pakistan
Pakistan's Rural Economy
Pakistan's 64 Years of Independence
Threre are more reasons to migrate to Canada
1 year ago
15 comments:
In CA they are selling for 35$/box (6 mangoes)
Idrees: "In CA they are selling for 35$/box (6 mangoes)"
Where?
"East food sacramento. They will receive their second shipment on tuesday.
Contact chodhury amin
Actually name is east west food, sacramento
This is the best news from Pakistan in a long time. Maybe we can start mango diplomacy-:)
Mohammad: "This is the best news from Pakistan in a long time. Maybe we can start mango diplomacy-:)"
Over time, let's hope that these sweet Pakistani mangoes will also help sweeten the US-Pakistan ties.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mangoes-at-war-in-US-market/Article1-735702.aspx
Mangoes at war in US market
Here's a blog post about Pakistani mangoes by Alberto Rodriguez who serves as Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan:
Members of Pakistan's mango industry gathered at a conference in Islamabad today to celebrate the successful 2010 mango season. It was the best year in the history of Pakistan's mango exports. With U.S. support, Pakistani mango growers began exporting to European markets, upgraded infrastructure, and prepared for shipments to the United States.
Demand for mangoes is growing around the world. With annual production exceeding 1.5 million tons, Pakistan's mango sector is poised for tremendous growth. This puts mango exports on track to directly benefit two million Pakistanis, generate employment, and boost the economy, especially in Southern Punjab and Northern Sindh.
"The American people have been working hand in hand with Pakistani mango farmers, government officials, and entrepreneurs to get Pakistan's mangoes into the international markets," said Andrew Sisson, Pakistan Mission Director for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
USAID helped local producers ship mangoes by sea to major fruit and vegetable importers in Europe for the first time. USAID also supported introduction of internationally recognized quality certification, helped upgrade infrastructure, and assisted in setting up links with international buyers. Pakistan's first-ever mango exports to the United States are expected in 2011.
"Pakistan's mango farmers have demonstrated tremendous dedication and investment this past year, with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and U.S. Government support," said Federal Minister of Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal. "Their successes will encourage other Pakistani farmers to attain international standards and certifications and compete in the international mango market."
http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/pakistan_mango_exports/
Cool. I actually miss the mangoes from India. The ones that are available in US stores are awful to say the best. I am hoping with more export from India and Pakistan, the prices would come down and we would get to eat 'real' mangoes :)
Riaz, Mangoes are also high in sugar and for diabetic prone people like Indians and Pakistanis, it is not a good fruit.
Anon: "Mangoes are also high in sugar and for diabetic prone people like Indians and Pakistanis, it is not a good fruit. "
Not all sugars are alike.
Mango was recently identified as a particularly useful food when it comes to the fight against diabetes, and a new study conducted in Australia concretes this. Furthermore, mango could also have a role to play in the treatment of metabolic disorders, although research is at an early stage.
Eating a mango every day could protect people against high cholesterol as well as diabetes. The study, conducted by PhD student Ashley Wilkinson at the University of Queensland, indicates that components within mango operate in a similar manner to some diabetes and cholesterol drugs.
Miss Wilkinson said: "There's been a lot of research looking at nutritional bioactives but it's focused on more temperate fruit like broccoli and grapes. And there hasn't been any research looking at tropical fruit in the context of looking at modulating cellular processes."
A doctor of the school of pharmacy at UQ agreed: "We don't know yet how the whole thing's going to play out but we know some of the individual components activate these receptors or even inhibit them. That could end up with positive nutritional health benefits for diabetes and high cholesterol."
High cholesterol is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome, a by-word for pre-diabetes in many cases.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2006/Nov/Mango-good-for-diabetes-and-pre-diabetes.html
would like to get Langra and Anwar rathol and saroli beside the chausa.
Here's Punjab CM pitching his province's potential as the food basket to the world, reported by Daily Times:
Pakistan is as an emerging country of fully traceable products for the world to meet food supply demand of increasing global population.
Chief Minister, Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at a meeting with EU ambassadors said Punjab government has diverted substantial resources to develop science-based, vibrant and internationally linked agriculture sector that could not only meet the food security challenges but also compete in domestic as well as in international markets.
Punjab Government has entered into certification regime to produce fully traceable agricultural and livestock products to reach high-end markets of the developed world and to enhance export upto $2 billion annually, he added.
He said Pakistan has the potential to become 10th largest economy of the world after Germany. He apprised the distinguished envoys Punjab government has allocated Rs 2.024 billion for a mega project to improve supply chain of selected agricultural and livestock products for improving quality and introducing traceability as per international market standards and requirements.
He said participation of Punjab in the forthcoming International Green Week (IGW), Berlin Germany would be an excellent opportunity to showcase traceable agricultural and livestock products from Punjab and to project Pakistan.
He said display of traceable agricultural and livestock products at IGW would open the doors of high-end markets of the world leading towards generation of tremendous business opportunities for Punjab, Pakistan.
He said Punjab government was benefiting from Star Farm and Metro to enhance capacity of our producers, suppliers and traders to boost exports.
Ambassadors from 18 European Union countries including Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, EU ambassador to Pakistan were present in the meeting.
Lars-Gunnar said Punjab has tremendous potential in agriculture and livestock sectors to get its due share in global trade of food products. He lauded Punjab government for adopting techniques and standards required for food safety and quality, and linking its traceable agricultural products to the global markets.
Arif Nadeem, Secretary Agriculture said 15-20 fully traceable fruits, vegetables, rice and meat products would be showcased at IGW for which capacity of about 25 exhibitors has been built for compliance of Global GAP and International Featured Specifications (IFS) by Star Farm.
He told METRO would organise Pakistan week in their chains in Berlin, parallel to the IGW event, therefore, fresh produce to be brought in Germany would not only be displayed and sold at the event but also at the Metro stores/chains in Berlin.
He said a vendor selected for the event has prepared thematic design of Pakistan pavilion, which contains Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) areas for display of products.
The concept, ‘farm to fork’ will be demonstrated through cooked dishes of traceable products as well at the
occasion, he added.
Rizwan Khan, Vice Chairman, Punjab Board of Investment and Trade highlighted the significance of International Green Week scheduled for January 20-29, 2012 at Berlin, Germany and briefed about aesthetics and media coverage of the event, embassy coordination and back end support in terms of product development.
The diplomats of EU Countries and others expressed satisfaction on the level of preparedness of Punjab government for participation in the forthcoming IGW, Germany.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2011\12\18\story_18-12-2011_pg5_7
Pakistan produces 13.67 million tones of fruits and vegetables per annum, according to Online News:
An official told Online on Tuesday out of which about 25 per cent goes waste, between farms to consumers, while only 4 per cent is exported at far 41 per cent lower price compared to world average price.
The horticulture sector contributes about 12 per cent to the national agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and holds great potential for increasing export of quality horticultural produce, and offering multiple employment opportunities throughout the supply chain, he added.
The official said, “However, its growth & profitability is restrained mainly by lack of proper post harvest management and transport infrastructure. Improving post harvest management infrastructure (grading, packing, storage and transport/cold-chain) will help reduce high post harvest losses, increase production surplus along with improving shelf life and quality of fresh produce, which will help to stabilize prices in domestic markets as well as to substantially boost export to highly lucrative and competitive international markets.”
It is pertinent to mention here that Ministry of Commerce had decided to establish a “Cool Chain System” under “National Trade Corridor Improvement Project”. The Cool Chain project is bound act as a backbone for the development of supply chain infrastructure for horticulture produce.
http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=187430
Pakistan to irradiate mangoes exported to US, reports The News:
Pakistan will obtain a US irradiation unit for the treatment of mango in a bid to boost the fruit’s export, Chief Executive Officer Harvest Trading, Ahmad Jawad, said on Tuesday.
Irradiation is a process to preserve food items by using radiations. Presently, the fruit has first to be transported to Lowa city in the United States for the treatment, Jawad said.
Growers and exporters of mango on Tuesday called for evolving a marketing strategy involving Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) to capture new markets.
“The United States is one of the biggest importers of mangoes produced globally with a share of almost 44 percent and Pakistan has great potential for boosting its to that country”, Jawad said.
He said that Pakistani mangoes are famous world over for their sweet flavour with more than 40 different varieties, it is the world’s sixth largest producer. But unfortunately less than only five percent of the cultivated crop is exported, he added.
Jawad said that currently, the Middle East was importing 65 percent of the total produce and it can be enhanced by extended efforts and facilities to the growers.
The Harvest Trading has also been in touch with the private sector in South America to set up relationships and persuade their embassies to let them import Pakistani mangoes, he added.
On the other hand Indian mango exporters are losing ground to their Pakistani counterparts in the US market. The exports of this exotic fruit from India, which started in 2007 is seeing a continuous decline over past three years, he added.
Data shows export of mangoes from India to US declined by 13.4 percent in 2009-10 at 175.40 tons from 202.64 tons in 2008-09. In 2010-11, export saw a steeper decline of 22.1 percent at 136.70 tons.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=85623&Cat=3
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