Seven premium varieties of Indian mangoes were showcased to leading American retailers, importers and policymakers at the second edition of the Mango Magic: Promotion and Tasting Event held in Seattle, highlighting India’s growing presence in the United States fruit market.
More than 100 importers of Indian fruits attended the event, including senior representatives from US retail giant Costco. Guests sampled a range of Indian mango varieties, including Alphonso and Kesar from Maharashtra, Banganpalli and Himayat from Andhra Pradesh, Langra and Dussehri from Uttar Pradesh, and Rajapuri from Gujarat.
Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck welcomed the introduction of a wider range of Indian mangoes to the Pacific Northwest, particularly through major retail chains such as Costco. The event was also attended by Washington State Senators Tina Orwall, Manka Dhingra and Vandana Slatter, along with diplomats from Japan and Uzbekistan.
The promotion forms part of ongoing efforts by the Consulate of India in Seattle to expand the market for Indian fruits in the United States. The initiative began in July 2025, when the Consulate partnered with exporters, importers and retailers to introduce premium Indian mango varieties to American consumers. These efforts gained momentum following discussions with Costco’s leadership in April 2026.
According to officials, Costco first introduced Maharashtra’s Bhagwa pomegranates in its stores before launching Kesar mangoes in May 2026. In the third week of May, the retailer imported its first shipment of Indian Kesar mangoes to outlets across Greater Seattle, Las Vegas, New Jersey and the Greater Los Angeles region.
Costco representatives reported that stocks of Indian mangoes sold out within two hours of reaching store shelves, reflecting strong consumer demand and significant market potential for Indian fruit exports in the United States.
India remains the world’s largest producer of mangoes, harvesting more than 26 million metric tonnes annually and cultivating over 1,000 named varieties. Indian mango exports to the United States, which resumed in 2007 after an 18-year suspension, have expanded rapidly in recent years.
Export value reached approximately $10 million in 2023-24, marking a 130 per cent increase from $4.36 million in 2022-23. Industry estimates suggest US mango imports could grow by another 7 per cent in 2026, while the overall American mango import market surpassed $1 billion in value in 2025.
The promotion comes weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat radio programme, highlighted the diversity of Indian mangoes and praised growers for taking regional varieties from local orchards to international markets.
Organised in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Seattle event also featured a luncheon showcasing Indian cuisine prepared using the mango varieties on display.
Officials said the programme was aimed at increasing awareness of India’s regional mango varieties and expanding export opportunities in the US Pacific Northwest and other American markets.
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