Harumanis enjoying sweet sales on online platforms

PADANG BESAR: The ban on interstate travel due to the Covid-19 outbreak has not affected sales of Harumanis mangoes as the fruit has been selling like hot cakes on online platforms.

Perlis Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) director Mohamad Paisal Amri said from the start of the season until today, the agency has sold 20 tonnes of Harumanis mangoes nationwide.

“The demand for Harumanis this year has been much better than the previous years after our business was expanded to Sabah and with private sector involvement to drive online sales,” he said.

He said Fama would continue to assist entrepreneurs and they have been encouraged to sell online as this is the best option during the pandemic.

Entrepreneur Aziz Itam, 61, said online sales of Harumanis this year had been very encouraging as compared to retail sales which dropped after the movement control order was imposed.

“Courier companies have provided excellent service as the fruits are delivered in less than three days and I have received positive feedback from my customers,” he said.

“I managed to sell between 150kg and 200kg in a week,” said the father of six, adding that his children have been helping him to sell the fruits through Facebook and WhatsApp to buyers in Kuala Lumpur, Pahang and Johor.

However, another entrepreneur Che Rus Man, 57, was not so lucky as sales had dipped compared to last year.

“I had difficulties selling to wholesalers and incurred losses this year due to the uneven ripening of the fruits,” he said.