Asda is to become the first major retailer to offer highly coveted Pakistani mangoes to shoppers.

In a major coup for its direct sourcing arm, IPL, the retailer will be selling the mangoes in 20 to 30 of its best-performing ethnic stores. The mangoes differ from the majority of those on sale in the UK in having a perfume-like bouquet and a superior ­eating quality.

Although some Pakistani mangoes are available in the UK, to date sales have been restricted to Asian cash & carry stores. If sales go well at Asda, it would look to roll them out to further stores this year, said a spokeswoman.

The retailer had previously been unable to sell any Pakistani fruit or vegetables because it could not ensure they were grown in line with its fresh produce specifications, which cover pesticide regulations and ethical practices.

“Asda and IPL have worked together with Minor, Weir & Willis and found 15 growers who have Global Gap certification which complies with our food safety standards,” said an Asda spokeswoman.

The Pakistani mangoes will be sold by the box each weighing between 1kg and 1.5kg “so it gives them a wholesale image and makes them really stick out,” said the spokeswoman.

Asda would not confirm an rsp, but said the new Pakistani fruit, which it intends to stock in several varieties, would be more ­expensive than standard mangoes.

An official launch ceremony with the Pakistani High Commissioner is planned for 28 June at Asda’s Longsight store, ­after which the fruit will be on sale until September.

Pakistan is the fifth-­largest producer and the third-largest exporter of mangoes in the world.

Asda usually sources mangoes from Puerto Rico, Senegal, Gambia, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic at this time of year, and from Peru and Israel as of September.

It bought IPL in 2009 to improve the quality of its fresh produce by getting closer to growers.

Topics