Philippines-grown mangoes could soon be seen across a range of new markets if the country's plan to expand its reach comes to fruition.
According to officials in the country, promotional activities and trade agreements will be key to introducing the fruit to new markets in Canada and Europe, while tapping into Filipino communities abroad could also prove valuable.
Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap told the Gulf Times that the country will be promoting the fruit as 'the sweetest and best in the world' through a series of aggressive marketing campaigns and the pursuit of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.
Mr Yap said that there were opportunities in Canada and different European states, and these markets would be welcome additions to a list of new export destinations including the Netherlands, South Korea, Hawaii, the Middle East and Guam.
The majority of Filipino mangoes are sold in Asia, with Japan and Hong Kong absorbing nearly 90 per cent of total exports, with the US and Europe also importing large volumes of the fruit.
According to Mr Yap, the country exported a total of 20,824 tonnes of fresh mangoes last year, at a total value of US$7.5m.
