"That's why it's so expensive this year."
Traders in South London are being hit by a shortage of India’s prized Alphonso mangoes, which they say is driving up prices and reducing supply during peak season.
In Tooting, traders report fewer deliveries than usual this spring.
The Alphonso mango, often referred to as the “king of mangoes”, is known for its sweetness, rich flavour and distinctive aroma.
The fruit is typically imported into the UK between April and June and remains especially popular among British South Asian communities.
However, traders say supply is lower this year due to a combination of poor harvests in India and rising transport costs linked to longer air freight routes through the Middle East.
Shabir Khan, who runs the Mango Uncle stall, told the BBC:
“At this time of year, normally many of London’s high streets are flooded with Alphonsos. But this year, it’s different.”
Industry crop reports have pointed to adverse weather conditions in parts of India, which have reduced production levels of the premium fruit.
Mr Khan said global instability has also affected the journey:
“The planes have to fly a longer way to come, so oil prices have gone up. That’s why it’s so expensive this year.”
Despite higher prices, demand remains strong across London. Customers continue to queue at stalls in search of Alphonso mangoes, with many specifically refusing alternatives.
For many people of South Asian heritage, mango season carries cultural importance alongside its culinary appeal. The arrival of Alphonso mangoes each spring is often treated as a seasonal tradition.
According to influencer Ranji, who is known online as Tooting Mama, the fruit stands apart from supermarket varieties because of its texture and sweetness.
She said: “They’re not as fibrous as the mangoes you get in the supermarket.
“They’re definitely not sour; they’re very, very sweet and very soft.”
“If the French have Beaujolais, we’ve got our mangoes.”
Ranji said the atmosphere around mango season in Tooting feels different this year because of the reduced supply.
She added: “In the past, you’d see sellers bringing them in by the trolley load, with crowds gathered around.
“This year, it feels much quieter.”
The Alphonso mango season lasts only a few weeks, leading many enthusiasts to buy the fruit while it is still available.
Although other mango varieties will remain on sale throughout the summer, many customers continue to see Alphonsos as unmatched in flavour and quality.
While prices remain high and supply is tight, traders in Tooting say demand for Alphonso mangoes shows little sign of slowing down.
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