Our fruits are known the world over — we have the sweetest mangoes, the juiciest pineapples, and the plumpest pomelos. Now, we proudly add avocados to that list as an initial shipment of 3,040 boxes of fresh Hass avocados embarked on a journey from our shores to South Korea last Sept. 30, 2023.
As reported by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), the first shipment set sail from KTC Port Tibungco in Davao City and is expected to reach Pyongtaek Port, South Korea, on Oct. 8. The estimated value of the products is US$48,433 or approximately ₱2.7 million.
This development signals an important step forward, as expanded market access not only broadens the consumer base for Filipino fruit producers but also affords them the opportunity to scale up their operations. It’s a win-win solution to the perennial challenge of identifying new local markets, which had unfortunately led to some fruit produce being thrown away or left to rot.
It is worth noting that earlier this year, during the President’s state visit to China, he was able to open the country’s door for more local fruit exports. The President witnessed the signing between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and China’s General Administration of Customs on a protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of fresh durians. With this, an estimated US$ 2.09 billion in purchase intentions for Philippine fruit exports was secured by the administration, which also covers coconuts and bananas, among others.
According to trade data, fresh fruits, including Cavendish bananas, have been the top drivers for Philippine agricultural exports to China.
In a related development, the Philippine Embassy in Australia issued a statement in early September regarding the arrival of the first batch of fresh Philippine mango shipment. It said that the initial shipment of the most popular mango variety, Carabao, were “harvested from the local farms in Malalag, Digos, Bansalan, and Magsaysay municipalities in Davao del Sur.”
“The entry of fresh Philippine mangoes into Australia marks a significant milestone in our bilateral trade. With the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership, the Philippines looks forward to building further trade with Australia. The time has come for our Aussie friends to enjoy our much beloved fruit in the Philippines,” said Ma. Hellen De La Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Australia.
As we embark on this new era of global fruit trade, we must be vigilant in addressing any obstacles that may arise. For years, several agencies have identified supply-side constraints as our farmers have struggled to meet the required demand. It is now imperative for the government to look into providing the best technology, upskilling farmers, or making available storage facilities and processing equipment. These measures will allow local fruit producers to be competitive on the world stage. After all, bilateral agreements or agreement signings are useless if we fail to uphold our end of the bargain.
The President has consistently reiterated that the agricultural sector is at the forefront of the post-pandemic economic recovery strategy. So let’s put funds and all our efforts where it matters the most, as this will have a tremendous impact especially in the countryside.
This time, let our homegrown fruits pave the way for a fruitful journey toward economic resiliency.
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