A first: India gets America into mango mood

TASTE OF INDIAN MANGOES: India, the world's largest mango producer, could grab a big share in the American market.

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Keywords: India, mangoes

New York: Indian mangoes returned to the United States last summer, after the US administration lifted an 18-year ban on imports in time for the mango season.

The Indian Consulate organised a mango tasting event in Big Apple this week with the approval of New Yorkers.

India is the world's largest producer of mangoes and the US is the world's largest importer of the fruit. Yet until last year, no bilateral trade had been allowed in mangoes for nearly two decades.

Now that the curbs are gone, India is stepping up its effort to show American consumers what they've been missing.

“I've never had them before but these are great. I actually just got three more,” says visitor, Redeemer Amedzekor.

A gift consultant, Eric Jaklitsch says, “These are the sweetest mangoes that I've ever tasted. I will definitely recommend the business people to buy Indian mangoes.”

“It's really delicious, it really hits the spot. I had not seen it around here before, so I'm looking forward to seeing these types of mangoes in various places around the New York City area,” says Financial Consultant, Ted Takides.

The American mango market, with a consumption of around 250,000 tons a year seems to be at stake as it is now dominated by imports from central and south American countries.

India, the world's largest mango producer, could grab a big share or even expand this market, with its heady offerings of Alfonso, Kesar, Banganapalli, Malgova and various other varieties.

Most Americans are not yet familiar with Indian mangoes. However, officials are betting that with one whiff and a taste of this fruit, they will be hooked for life.