On the picture Ambassadors Ole Moesby from Denmark and Moazam Ahmad Khan from Pakistan. Photography by Ann Daly.
By Roy Lie A Tjam
His Majesty the King of Fruits, otherwise known as the Pakistani mango, graced the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in The Hague on Wednesday 22 July 2015.
The 12th Annual Exhibition of Pakistani Mangoes, held under the auspices of the Commercial Wing of the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague and Diplomat Magazine was once again a successful tradeshow and reception. There was ample opportunity to enjoy not only mangoes but also the catering by Anokha restaurant as well as the music.
In his welcome remarks, Commercial Counselor Zahid Ali Abbasi stressed the significant role of the Netherlands when it comes to the importation of Pakistani mangoes into Europe – the Netherlands is the continent’s second largest importer. Moreover, the country is one of the main gateways into to the EU and its single market.
For a photo album on the 12th Pakistani Mango exhibition, please click open here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157654368189164
However, despite its popularity, the Pakistani mango still has advancements to make into the mainstream consumer market in Europe. The fruit is obtainable in the months between May and October, when there is little or no seasonal supply from competitors in the market. With the assistance of the TDAP and USAID, the shelf-life of the mango has been increased to between 35 and 40 days.
The message to the European market is simple – the Pakistani mango is King of Fruits and is here to stay.
The Ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Moazam Ahmad Khan, expressed his gratitude to the TDAP (Trade Development Authority of Pakistan) for its support.
Pakistani mangoes are continuously adding their exotic flavor to the Dutch taste, he said. Increasing the shelf-life of the mango has contributed immensely to the popularity of the Pakistani mango in the Netherlands.
Pakistani mangoes are famous for their taste, aroma and color, and are widely considered in Europe, the US and elsewhere as one of the most delicious of all exotic fruit. There are over a hundred varieties of mangoes: chaunsa, sindhri, anwar to name but a few.
Mango production in Pakistan is a huge business, and they are produced at certified farms and processed in HACCP certified facilities.
