In the world of fresh fruit exports, timing is revenue. For the 2026 season, the Alphonso mango (Hapus) harvest from Ratnagiri and Devgad has shown early signs of maturity due to a cooler-than-average winter in Maharashtra.
For UK buyers, this shifts the procurement strategy. The race to secure premium Grade A+ export-quality fruit has already begun. Here is everything you need to know to lock in your supply chain.
1. The 2026 Harvest Timeline: A Shift in Schedule
Unlike 2024-25, where unseasonal rains delayed crops, 2026 is seeing a “timely to early” start.
Pre-Season Arrivals: Small batches began hitting Pune markets as early as mid-January 2026, signaling a robust flowering stage.
Export Launch: Full-scale export volumes are expected to commence from March 15, 2026.
Peak Volume: The “Glut Period” (highest volume, best price) will likely fall between April 10 and May 20, 2026.
Buying Advice: To guarantee stock for the critical April retail window (Easter/Ramadan), pre-booking must be finalized by late February.
2. Logistics: Air vs. Sea Freight to the UK
Exporting to the UK requires navigating strict post-Brexit phytosanitary rules.
Sea Freight:
Transit Time: 20-25 days.
Risk: Only recommended for green, hard fruit. The risk of ripening during transit is high without controlled atmosphere (CA) containers.
3. Compliance Checklist for UK Entry (2026 Update)
The UK mandates strict checks for fruit flies and weevils. Your Indian exporter must provide:
Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by Indian Plant Quarantine authorities.
VHT/HWT Treatment: Vapour Heat Treatment or Hot Water Treatment is often mandatory to ensure the fruit is pest-free.
Global GAP Certificate: Proof of “Good Agricultural Practices” is now a standard requirement for major UK retailers like Tesco or Sainsbury’s.
Traceability: Every crate must be traceable back to the registered APEDA orchard (Mangonet).
4. Cost Analysis: What to Expect?
Early Season (March): Prices will be premium. Expect FOB rates to be 20-30% higher due to scarcity.
Mid-Season (April): Prices stabilize. This is the “sweet spot” for bulk importers to lock in contracts.
Freight Rates: Air freight charges from Mumbai (BOM) to London (LHR) typically spike in April. Booking cargo space in advance is as important as booking the fruit itself.
5. Ratnagiri vs. Devgad: Which to Choose?
Ratnagiri Alphonso: Known for its golden-yellow skin and incredibly thin peel. It is the most famous variety but more delicate to ship.
Devgad Alphonso: Slightly thicker skin and often sweeter. Its robustness makes it slightly better suited for the rigors of international transport.
Don't Wait for April
The 2026 season rewards the early bird. By pre-booking your volume in February, you secure not just the price, but the “Grade A” size (250g+) that UK consumers demand.
Exim Internationals has opened its 2026 Export Order Book. We source directly from Global GAP-certified orchards in Ratnagiri.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the 2026 Alphonso mango season start for export?
Export-quality harvesting begins around March 15, 2026. However, limited “early bird” shipments may be available from late February for premium air-freight orders.
2. What is the shelf life of Alphonso mangoes during export?
Fresh Alphonso mangoes have a shelf life of 7-10 days once ripe. For export, we ship them in a “semi-ripe” (green-hard) stage, giving them about 15-20 days of total life from harvest to retail shelf.
3. Do you provide Phytosanitary Certificates for UK customs?
Yes. Every single shipment from Exim Internationals comes with a government-issued Phytosanitary Certificate and passes through APEDA-approved packhouses to ensure compliance with UK import laws.
4. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for air freight to the UK?
For air shipments, the standard MOQ is usually 500 kg to 1,000 kg (approx. 100-200 boxes). This ensures the freight cost per kg remains viable.
5. Why are 2026 prices expected to be high in March?
Early-season fruit is always limited. In 2026, high domestic demand in India combined with export pre-orders creates a supply crunch in March, driving up FOB prices until full harvest arrives in April.
About us
Exim Internationals is a premier export company dedicated to delivering the finest products from India to international markets. Our mission is to establish India as a global export powerhouse, contributing to economic growth and showcasing the richness of Indian goods worldwide.
From the pashmina shawls and apples of the North to the spices of the South, the fruits and powders of the West, and the tea and bamboo of the East, we connect every corner of India with the global market.
Certification we have: FSSAI, APEDA, IEC, UDYAM, FIEO, Spices Board, Coconut
Contact us
Samin heritage, Sl building, Shop no. 19, Chandan wadi, Almeda road Thane west, Maharashtra, India-400601.
Email Us:support@eximinternationals.com
Call Us: +91 9820446601 | +91 9321559185
