Middle East Disruptions Squeeze Alphonso Mango Supply in London

London’s Tooting market, famed for its Alphonso mango stalls, is seeing fewer deliveries than usual this spring. The fruit, known as the "king of mangoes" for its sweetness and aroma, normally arrives from India between April and June. For many South Asian Londoners, the season is both a cultural and culinary highlight.

Alphonso mangoes are usually imported to the UK from April to June each year. Due to longer flight routes caused by Middle East disruptions, increased oil costs have raised Alphonso mango prices this year. Compared to previous years when sellers delivered mangoes in large quantities and attracted crowds, this year's Alphonso supply is noticeably lower and the market is quieter.

Traders report higher costs per crate and thinner crowds at stalls such as Mango Uncle in Tooting. Consumers still seek the fruit, but some face steeper prices or reduced availability. If air routes normalize and oil prices stabilize, supply could rebound later in the season; otherwise, the market may remain subdued until next year’s harvest.