Phl mangoes debut in Italy

The sweet mangoes of the Philippines made its debut shipment to Italy recently with the first batch of 500 kilograms arriving at Rome’s  Fiumicino Airport.

This historic shipment was made possible through the collaboration between Filipino entrepreneurs, the Philippine Embassy in Rome and the Department of Agriculture.

Sourced from the premier mango region of Pangasinan, the shipment underwent and passed Italy’s phytosanitary standards, opening the door for more global recognition for the sweet Philippine mangoes.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called this a game changer for the local mango industry saying “this is a huge step for our mango farmers and encourages them to focus on producing premium quality mangoes.

It also signals an exciting opportunity for investments to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine mangoes globally.”

The export is part of  President Marcos administration’s vision of increasing agricultural exports by expanding and diversifying markets for local produce.

It also highlights the power of partnerships between public institutions, private entrepreneurs, and overseas Filipinos working together to elevate Philippine products to international standards.

Josyline Javelosa, Agriculture Attaché to Italy and UN Deputy Permanent Representative praised the Filipino-led group’s determination to break into the fresh produce market despite having no prior experience. She also emphasized the significant role of mango exports in international agricultural cooperation.

The Philippines’ mangoes are part of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s One Country One Priority Product program, underscoring the fruit’s importance to the nation’s agricultural identity.

Javelosa emphasized the strategic importance of mangoes in international cooperation.

“This export milestone reflects the Philippines’ commitment to green agriculture and inclusive development,” said Javelosa, who also serves as the Philippines’ Deputy Permanent Representative to UN Rome-based agencies including the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization’s (UN FAO), the World Food Program (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The fruit is likewise part of the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand Investment Initiative, which seeks to direct funding and development aid to strategic agricultural sectors.

In 2024, Laurel proposed in Rome a USD50-million investment case to benefit 27,000 mango farming households.

Laurel expressed optimism that the Rome shipment will serve as a springboard for broader market access across Europe.