India's mango industry has received long-awaited access to export to the South African market.

At the Bharat Mango Utsav 2024 event, Simmi Unnikrishnan, India's Assistant General Manager of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), announced that the country has been authorized to export 1.5 metric tonnes of mangoes to South Africa.

The government official clarified the country already received market access last year and that a lot of work has been done behind the scenes to increase mango exports to the country.

"It was difficult to get permission from the South African government. There was a period where analyses had to be done, as these mangoes come after irradiation treatment," Unnikrishnan shared.

Consul General Mahesh Kumar said thanks to the increase in market access, the country will have statistics and reports available next year about the trade relationship, as it pertains to mangoes.

Kumar added that the relationship is highly beneficial to South Africa as well. Thanks to the growing seasons being the opposite in the hemispheres where India and South Africa are located, the fruit would be available all year round. 

Unnikrishnan also highlighted India's leadership in mango production to encourage traders to help import and popularize Indian mangoes in South Africa. She added that she would share details of South African importers with Indian mango exporters to foster future relationships and agreements.

"India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, producing 50% of the global production, with South Africa accounting for 17% of the world's mangoes."