Air India Ships 1,000 Tonnes of Mangoes Worldwide in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Air India shipped nearly 1,000 tonnes of Indian mangoes to 43 cities in 31 countries in April 2025.
• Major mango varieties included Alphonso, Safeda, and Dussehri, mainly sourced from Western India farms.
• 15 US shipments rejected in May 2025 due to paperwork errors on irradiation treatment, causing $500,000 losses.

In April 2025, Air India made headlines by transporting nearly 1,000 tonnes of fresh Indian mangoes to 43 cities in 31 countries across five continents. This large-scale operation, which took place during the peak of the mango export season, highlights both the global demand for Indian mangoes and the airline’s growing role in international perishable cargo logistics. The shipments reached major cities such as New York, London, Toronto, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Sydney, making Indian mangoes available to consumers around the world.

This record-setting achievement is not just a story about fruit exports. It reflects the intersection of agriculture, international trade, immigration, and logistics. The movement of Indian mangoes across borders involves strict compliance with export rules, advanced cold-chain technology, and close cooperation between farmers, exporters, government agencies, and airlines. For many, especially those with roots in India living abroad, the arrival of Indian mangoes is a taste of home and a reminder of cultural ties.

Let’s take a closer look at how Air India’s mango export operation works, what it means for different groups, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.

The Scale of Air India’s Mango Export Operation

Air India’s mango shipments in April 2025 set a new record for the airline’s perishable cargo segment. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the airline transported close to 1,000 tonnes of Indian mangoes in just one month. This is a massive increase compared to previous years, driven by rising demand from Indian communities and mango lovers worldwide.

Key facts about the operation:

• Volume: Nearly 1,000 tonnes of mangoes shipped in April 2025 alone.
• Destinations: 43 cities in 31 countries, covering North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
• Varieties: The main varieties exported were Alphonso (from Maharashtra), Safeda, and Dussehri (from Uttar Pradesh). Over 75% of the mangoes came from Western India.
• Peak Season: The busiest months for exports are April and May, though the mango season runs from March to July.

This operation is not just about numbers. It’s about connecting Indian farmers and exporters to global markets, and bringing the unique taste of Indian mangoes to people far from home.

Why Indian Mangoes Are in High Demand

India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes, with over 1,000 varieties grown across the country. Among these, Alphonso and Kesar are especially prized for their rich flavor and aroma. These premium varieties are often seen as luxury items in international markets, sold in gourmet stores and high-end supermarkets.

Why do people around the world want Indian mangoes?

• Unique Taste: Indian mangoes, especially Alphonso, are known for their sweetness, fragrance, and smooth texture.
• Cultural Connection: For many people of Indian origin living abroad, mangoes are a reminder of home and family traditions.
• Special Occasions: Mangoes are often enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings, making them a sought-after seasonal treat.

The surge in exports is a win-win for both Indian farmers, who get better prices for their produce, and consumers abroad, who get access to high-quality fruit.

How Air India Handles Mango Shipments

Shipping perishable goods like mangoes over long distances is a complex task. Air India has invested heavily in cold-chain logistics and handling protocols to make sure the fruit arrives fresh and in perfect condition.

Here’s how the process works, step by step:

1. Harvesting: Mangoes are picked at the right stage of ripeness from farms, mainly in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
2. Sorting and Packaging: The fruit is sorted and packed at facilities certified by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority). This ensures that only the best mangoes are exported and that they meet international standards.
3. Cold Storage: Before being shipped, mangoes are stored in temperature-controlled rooms to keep them fresh.
4. Airport Handling: At the airport, special care is taken to protect the fruit. Thermal blankets and refrigerated dollies are used to keep the mangoes cool during loading and unloading.
5. Air Transport: The mangoes are flown to their destinations using Air India’s cargo network, which covers major cities around the world.
6. Distribution: Once the shipments arrive, they are quickly delivered to supermarkets, specialty stores, and wholesalers.

Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo at Air India, explained:
“Perishable movement has seen a significant increase this past year—mangoes being one of the more conspicuous examples. We continue to make investments in enhancing our cold-chain infrastructure, streamlining processes at key airports and strengthening our partnerships with exporters to make Air India the preferred choice for fresh cargo.”

Export Compliance and Quality Assurance

Exporting fresh produce is not just about picking and shipping. There are strict rules to follow, especially when sending fruit to countries with tough import standards like the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦.

Key compliance steps include:

• APEDA Certification: All export-bound mangoes must be processed in APEDA-certified facilities. This ensures they meet safety and quality standards.
• Temperature Control: Mangoes must be kept at the right temperature from the farm to the final destination to prevent spoilage.
• Phytosanitary Requirements: Many countries require proof that the fruit is free from pests and diseases. For example, the United States 🇺🇸 requires mangoes to be treated with irradiation, a process that kills any potential pests.
• Documentation: Exporters must provide detailed paperwork showing that all requirements have been met.

Recent Incident:
In May 2025, at least 15 shipments of Indian mangoes to the United States 🇺🇸 were rejected at the airport. The reason was not pests, but mistakes in the paperwork related to irradiation treatment. These errors led to losses of about $500,000 for exporters. This incident shows how important it is to follow every rule and double-check all documents before shipping.

Who Benefits from Mango Exports?

The large-scale export of Indian mangoes has wide-reaching effects, touching many different groups:

Indian Farmers and Exporters

• Higher Incomes: Exporting premium mangoes brings better prices for farmers, especially those growing Alphonso and Kesar.
• Market Access: Working with Air India and APEDA helps exporters reach new markets and grow their businesses.
• Rural Development: The extra income from exports supports rural communities and encourages more farmers to grow high-quality fruit.

Global Consumers

• Access to Premium Fruit: People in cities like New York, London, and Sydney can enjoy fresh Indian mangoes during the season.
• Cultural Connection: For immigrants and people of Indian origin, mangoes are more than just fruit—they are a link to family and tradition.

Air India

• Reputation: Handling such a large and sensitive cargo boosts Air India’s standing as a leader in perishable logistics.
• Business Growth: Mango shipments are now a flagship operation for the airline during the mango season.

Government Agencies

• APEDA: Ensures that Indian exports meet international standards, protecting the country’s reputation.
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry: Supports exporters and helps resolve trade issues.

Challenges in the Export Process

While the mango export story is mostly positive, there are real challenges that need attention:

• Strict Import Rules: Countries like the United States 🇺🇸 have very tough rules for importing fresh fruit. Even small mistakes in paperwork can lead to shipments being rejected.
• Cold-Chain Costs: Maintaining the right temperature from farm to store is expensive and requires constant investment.
• Market Competition: Other mango-producing countries are also trying to enter premium markets, so Indian exporters must keep quality high.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Exporters must stay updated on changing rules and make sure all requirements are met.

Recent Example:
The rejection of 15 shipments in the United States 🇺🇸 due to documentation errors is a reminder that even with the best logistics, paperwork mistakes can be costly.

The Role of Immigration and Diaspora Communities

The demand for Indian mangoes abroad is closely tied to immigration patterns. Large Indian communities in the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, and Australia 🇦🇺 look forward to mango season every year. For many, buying Indian mangoes is a way to stay connected to their roots.

How does this affect immigration and cultural ties?

• Cultural Festivals: Mangoes are often enjoyed during Indian festivals like Holi and Eid, which are celebrated by diaspora communities worldwide.
• Family Traditions: Sharing mangoes with friends and family is a tradition that many immigrants continue in their new countries.
• Business Opportunities: The popularity of Indian mangoes has led to new businesses, from specialty grocery stores to online delivery services, often run by immigrants.

Government Oversight and Official Resources

To support the growing export market, several government agencies are involved:

• APEDA: Sets and enforces quality standards for export-bound mangoes. Learn more about APEDA’s role and certification process at apeda.gov.in.
• Ministry of Commerce & Industry: Works to resolve trade issues and promote Indian exports.
• Air India Cargo: Provides updates and information about their cargo operations, including mango shipments, on their official website.

These agencies work together to make sure Indian mangoes reach global markets safely and legally.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mango Exports

With the mango season running through July, Air India and its partners expect even larger shipments in the coming months. The airline is planning further investments in cold-chain infrastructure and handling processes to keep up with demand and improve efficiency.

What’s next for Indian mango exports?

• Rising Volumes: As global demand grows, exporters and airlines will need to handle even more fruit.
• Better Technology: Continued upgrades to storage and transport systems will help keep mangoes fresh over long distances.
• Stricter Compliance: After recent incidents, exporters are likely to tighten their documentation and quality checks, especially for high-regulation markets like the United States 🇺🇸.

Industry experts believe that India’s position as the world’s leading mango producer is secure, but staying ahead will require constant attention to quality, logistics, and compliance.

Summary Table: Air India Mango Export Operation (April 2025)

Practical Guidance for Exporters and Consumers

For Exporters:

• Double-check all documentation before shipping, especially for countries with strict import rules.
• Work closely with APEDA to ensure your facilities and processes are certified.
• Invest in cold-chain technology to keep fruit fresh and reduce spoilage.
• Stay updated on market requirements and be ready to adapt to new rules.

For Consumers:

• Look for APEDA-certified Indian mangoes in your local stores during the season.
• Ask retailers about the source and handling of the fruit to ensure quality.
• Enjoy mangoes during festivals and family gatherings to celebrate cultural traditions.

Conclusion

Air India’s delivery of 1,000 tonnes of Indian mangoes to 43 cities in 31 countries is more than just a logistics achievement. It’s a story of how agriculture, trade, and immigration come together to connect people and cultures. The operation supports Indian farmers, delights consumers around the world, and strengthens India’s reputation as a leader in premium fruit exports.

As the mango season continues, all eyes are on Air India and its partners to see how they will meet the growing demand and overcome new challenges. For now, the sweet taste of Indian mangoes is bringing joy to people across the globe—one shipment at a time.

For more details on export standards and certification, visit the APEDA official website.

Learn Today

Perishable Cargo → Goods like fresh fruits requiring special temperature controls during transport to prevent spoilage.
Cold-Chain Logistics → A temperature-controlled supply chain vital for preserving freshness of products like mangoes during shipment.
APEDA → Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority that certifies facilities for exporting Indian agricultural products.
Irradiation Treatment → A process using radiation to eliminate pests in exported fruits to meet phytosanitary regulations.
Phytosanitary Requirements → Health and safety standards countries impose to prevent pests and diseases in imported agricultural goods.

This Article in a Nutshell

In April 2025, Air India transported nearly 1,000 tonnes of fresh Indian mangoes globally, connecting farmers, diaspora, and markets. This operation highlights the airline’s advanced cold-chain logistics, export compliance challenges, and cultural significance for Indian communities abroad, marking a new record in perishable cargo transportation.
— By VisaVerge.com