London’s Alphonso mango supply has collapsed this season, triggering unprecedented price spikes and widespread shortages in supermarkets and specialty stores. The fruit, traditionally a seasonal highlight for London’s multicultural markets, is now scarce due to severe disruptions in India’s harvests caused by extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall. These climate-related issues have devastated crop yields, while rising air freight costs have made importing the delicate fruit economically unviable for many retailers. As a result, only a limited number of high-end outlets can still stock it, often at premium prices.
The crisis is reshaping consumer behavior, with many Londoners opting for alternative mango varieties or skipping the fruit altogether. Small independent grocers are particularly hard hit, facing shrinking margins and declining customer traffic. Experts caution that without urgent investment in resilient farming practices and diversified supply routes, the Alphonso may no longer be accessible to the general public. This situation underscores a growing vulnerability in global trade networks for perishable luxury goods amid worsening climate instability.