Indian mangoes are becoming increasingly available in the US Pacific Northwest, with Seattle-area stores now offering varieties like Kesar and Alphonso. This development follows a year-long effort involving retailers, distributors, and local consumers, as highlighted by India’s Consul General in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, on Fox 13 News.
Gupta emphasized the significance of Indian mangoes, noting their association with the summer season and family traditions. The fruit’s arrival in the region was featured on Fox 13’s “Good Day Seattle,” where Gupta discussed the cultural importance and growing demand for Indian mangoes in the US.
The availability of Indian mangoes in the United States was attributed to “mango diplomacy” between India and the US, with Gupta recalling a pivotal moment during President George W. Bush’s visit to India in 2006. The President’s positive experience with an Alphonso mango sparked a trend of Indian mango imports into the US market.
Efforts to introduce Indian mangoes to the Seattle market included a promotional event hosted by the Seattle consulate, where residents and distributors sampled various mango varieties. Following a successful consumer response, Indian mangoes are set to be stocked in Indian grocery stores and Costco outlets in Seattle, Kirkland, and Redmond starting this weekend.
