A Japanese industry expert has predicted that mango exports from the Philippine island of Mindanao could grow significantly in the next few years, once the country has recovered from the effects of typhoons Cosme and Frank.
Testua Inooka told the Sun Star that the volume and quality of mangoes from the region could increase if growers were united, to take advantage of growing global demand for the fruit.
'All it takes is a deep commitment and dedication from each grower to work towards a common vision and clear goals to make this industry grow,' said Mr Inooka, chief advisor for industrial development of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Japan is the biggest market for Mindanao mangoes, having imported 1,092 tonnes of fruit, at a value of US$2.7m, in 2007 according to the National Statistics Office. Total export volumes increased by 47 per cent during 2006/07, with value doubling from US$1.8m to US$3.6m during the period.
