This year's first Indian Alphonso mango sold domestically for a record Rs600 (US$13) – almost 50 per cent more than last year's opening prices, reports India's Economic Times.
The first four boxes of the season – each containing a dozen fruit – fetched Rs7,000 (US$152.43) a piece at Mumbai's Crawford Market last month.
In Pune, the first box of 40 Alphonsos – known in India as the King of Fruits – was sold at auction for Rs11,111 (US$241.94), the paper said.
Low supply has given a boost to mangoes' opening prices this year, according to The Economic Times.
Amar Desai, of Pune-based mango supplier Desai Bandhu Ambewale told the paper his firm's orchards had no early fruit this year.
Mr Desai said his first-season mangoes fetched Rs4,500 (US$97.99) per dozen last year.
First-season Alphonsos are traditionally sold in India as a publicity stunt two to three months ahead of the main mango season, which usually starts in April, the paper said.
The fruit, which is highly prized, is grown from early flowering during the raining season, and is bought as a status symbol rather than for its taste, The Economic Times said.
