EU mango import ban hits DHL

A ban on import of Indian mangoes by the European Union has affected shipment volume of the ‘king of fruits’ sent via DHL Mango Express.

In May, shipments from India were suspended after consignments were found infested with fruit flies.

Media reports said that annually the UK alone imports around £6.3 million worth Indian mangoes, roughly 10 per cent of the total UK mango market worth £68 million.

Due to the ban, the company delivered only around 400 shipments to global customers this year as against about 1,200 in the last couple of years, according to RS Subramanian, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express.

Some companies gifted the 'king of fruit' to customers overseas, he said.

DHL started the Mango Express service in 2004 as a hassle-free solution, including selecting the Devgadh Alphonso mangoes, getting phytosanitary certification, packaging, documentation, customs clearance and doorstep delivery.

Mangoes are chosen on the basis of transit and clearance time to ensure the fruits are ‘ripe-in-time’ when delivered. The mango gift packs are connected via the first available flight. DHL Express Easy shipments containing mangoes are sent with either one- or two-dozen mangoes.

Charges vary from ₹5,000 to ₹7,500 a dozen. Mangoes came free to customers as part of Express Easy Mango service, he said.

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