The Philippines’ trade in bananas and pineapples should not be significantly impacted by flooding associated with tropical storm Sendong, despite widespread damage to infrastructure there.
“The flooding in Mindanao had no affect on our farms,” Joseph Cole of Fresh Delmonte told Fruitnet.com. “Some public roads and bridges were washed out but we found alternative routes. As a company we are aiding the local government wherever we can to help in the rebuilding process.”
Philippine Exporters Confederation director Michael Joseph R Ignacio told Business World Online smaller operators have been harder hit. “Del Monte only registered effects on their work force but the smaller banana and pineapple growers located in Baungon and Talakag in Bukidnon have been badly damaged,” he said. “Consequently, we are expecting a slowdown in shipments in January,” he added.
