Indian mango festival debuts in Azerbaijan as embassy eyes export opportunities

The Indian embassy in Azerbaijan has held the country's first-ever Great Indian Mango Festival in Baku, showcasing India's best-known mango varieties while promoting closer cultural and trade ties between the two countries.

The event, held on Sunday, drew diplomats, government officials, business representatives, members of the Indian diaspora and hundreds of Azerbaijani visitors, many of whom were tasting Indian mangoes for the first time.

Guests sampled a range of varieties, including the internationally renowned Alphonso, Kesar and Badami mangoes. The festival also featured Indian music and cultural performances.

India's ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, said the festival was intended to deepen people-to-people links between the two countries and introduce Azerbaijani consumers to one of India's most celebrated agricultural products.

He said India, the world's largest producer of mangoes, grows hundreds of varieties with distinct flavours and characteristics, reflecting the country's diverse climate and geography.

Mr Kumar also expressed optimism that Indian mangoes could find a place in the Azerbaijani market, pointing to growing tourism, direct air links and increasing commercial exchanges between the two countries.

Visitors reacted enthusiastically, with many describing the fruit's flavour and aroma as unlike anything they had previously experienced. Some called for Indian mangoes to become more widely available in Azerbaijani supermarkets and fruit markets.

Representatives from Azerbaijan's hospitality sector said hotels and restaurants frequently receive requests from Indian and international tourists for fresh mangoes and mango-based products, including juices, lassi and desserts, particularly during the summer season.

The embassy said India already exports premium mangoes to markets across the Middle East, Europe and North America, adding that it believes Azerbaijan could become another promising destination as consumer awareness and trade partnerships continue to grow.