APMC Traders Raise Alarm Over Fake Konkan Alphonso Mangoes in Navi Mumbai Market

Navi Mumbai : As the mango season peaks in Maharashtra, traders at the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) — the largest wholesale fruit market in Mumbai — have raised concerns over fake Konkan Alphonso mangoes being sold under false pretenses. These warnings come amid rising customer complaints and price discrepancies in the retail market.

The iconic Alphonso mangoes from the Konkan region, primarily Devgad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, and Raigad, are being replaced or mislabelled with inferior-quality mangoes from Karnataka, say traders. While visually similar, the Karnataka variants are cheaper, less aromatic, and lower in taste quality, yet often sold at the premium price of genuine Konkan Alphonsos.

The Vashi APMC market currently receives over 1 lakh boxes of Alphonso mangoes daily. Of these, nearly 80,000 boxes are sourced from Konkan, with prices ranging between ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per crate, which translates to ₹400 to ₹800 per dozen in wholesale rates. In retail markets, the same mangoes are sold for ₹1,000 to ₹1,800 per dozen, depending on the size and ripeness.

On the other hand, Karnataka Alphonso mangoes — also referred to as "Hapus" — are much cheaper, priced between ₹60 to ₹120 per kg wholesale, and ₹400 to ₹500 per dozen retail. These mangoes are shipped in from Karnataka, and to a lesser extent from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, with 15,000 to 20,000 boxes arriving daily.

“Ask for Konkan Alphonso Specifically,” Say Traders

Amid concerns of misleading labeling and unfair pricing, genuine Konkan Alphonso sellers are urging customers to be vigilant.“If you want authentic Konkan Alphonso, ask for it specifically. Some sellers won’t clarify unless you demand it. Make sure you’re not getting the Southern variety sold at Devgad rates,” said a long-time Devgad mango trader at APMC, speaking to Hindustan Times.

How to Spot the Difference?

Fruit experts and traders cite distinct differences between Devgad and Karnataka Alphonsos:

• Devgad Alphonsos are more aromatic, have a richer pulp, and offer consistent sweetness.

• Karnataka Alphonsos are typically larger, less fragrant, and may lack the signature aftertaste of the Konkan variety.

The Geographical Indication (GI) tag associated with Devgad Alphonsos further distinguishes them, though it’s not always referenced in local markets.

Consumer Awareness Needed

As the market continues to flood with Alphonso varieties from across the country, consumer awareness becomes crucial. Traders recommend asking for sourcing details and checking with trusted vendors, especially when paying a premium price.

Authorities have yet to respond to these trader complaints, but the issue raises questions about transparency in fruit labelling and the need for stricter market checks to protect both farmers and consumers.