The Philippines has made its first commercial shipment of fresh Carabao mangoes to Canada, sending 1 metric ton to Vancouver as the country seeks new overseas markets for higher-value agricultural products and new income opportunities for farmers.
The shipment, comprising 250 cartons, was sent off Sept. 18 at the NAIA Complex in Parañaque City through a partnership between Mensch FilAm Corp. and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau under its Outbound Business Matching Mission program.
Fresh Makers Ltd., a Vancouver-based distributor serving supermarkets and institutional buyers, will import the mangoes, with Air Canada handling the air transport and Airspeed Cargo providing logistics support.
For its part, the Department of Agriculture has been working to strengthen the mango industry’s capacity to meet export requirements and sustain access to international markets. More than 40 mango growers’ groups have been consolidated into a single federation to strengthen industry coordination, supply consolidation, and market access.
The DA, through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), is also addressing disease concerns affecting mango production and strengthening plant health measures needed to meet the requirements of export markets.
BPI and Mitsui & Co. likewise signed an agreement aimed at supporting the development of the Philippine mango industry, further strengthening efforts to expand opportunities for local mango growers and exporters.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the shipment forms part of the government’s broader strategy to open new markets for Philippine farm products and raise agricultural export earnings.
“When we can sell more Philippine agricultural products abroad, we create opportunities to increase farm incomes, encourage more investment in agriculture, and bring greater economic activity to the countryside.”
“Opening new markets means opening new opportunities for our farmers. When we can sell more Philippine agricultural products abroad, we create opportunities to increase farm incomes, encourage more investment in agriculture, and bring greater economic activity to the countryside,” Tiu Laurel said.
He said stronger agricultural exports could also generate opportunities across the farm-to-market value chain, from production and consolidation to logistics, processing, and distribution.
At the send-off ceremony, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Gueavarra joined FilAm President and CEO Racquel S. Simon in highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in bringing Philippine farm products to international consumers.
“This shipment represents not only the pride of Filipino farmers but also the strength of public-private partnerships in bringing our agricultural products to the global stage.”
“This shipment represents not only the pride of Filipino farmers but also the strength of public-private partnerships in bringing our agricultural products to the global stage,” Simon said.
For mango growers, the real test begins after the ceremonial send-off.
Sustained orders, competitive freight costs, consistent quality, and reliable supply will determine whether Canada becomes a durable market for Carabao mangoes, rather than simply another destination on the export map.
