Talala: The first consignment of Gir’s famous Kesar mangoes and Ratnagiri Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes has been dispatched to Australia, marking the beginning of this season’s international exports.

A total of 800 boxes were shipped by The Mango Mate, a company run by farmer-exporter Chetan Mendpara from Jasapur Gir village in Talala taluka. The consignment, sent via air cargo from Mumbai airport, comprises 600 boxes of Kesar mangoes and 200 boxes of Alphonso mangoes. The export processing was carried out at Vashi in Navi Mumbai.

Mendpara has been engaged in exporting Gujarat’s renowned Kesar mangoes and Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes for the past five years. Last year, his company exported around 100 tonnes of Kesar mangoes to multiple countries.

Meanwhile, two additional consignments for Canada are currently being processed in Ahmedabad. These will include 400 boxes of Alphonso mangoes and 400 boxes of Kesar mangoes. The mandatory irradiation process has been completed at Bavla.

In international markets, a three-kilogram box of mangoes sells for about 65 Australian dollars in Australia, while in Canada, prices range between 45 and 50 Canadian dollars. Known for its rich aroma and sweetness, the Gir Kesar mango, often referred to as the “nectar of the Gir region”, continues to enjoy strong demand among overseas consumers.

However, exporters are facing significant challenges this season due to rising logistics costs. Air cargo rates have nearly doubled amid ongoing global conflicts. Additionally, export costs have increased further due to higher insurance expenses. As a result, exporters anticipate a decline in Kesar mango shipments this year. DeshGujarat