Phl sends trial shipment of mangoes to Brussels

The Philippines sent a trial shipment of its famed Guimaras mangoes to Brussels, Belgium,last June 10 to break into Europe’s high-end tropical fruit market.

The Bureau of Plant Industry said 100 kilograms of fresh mangoes from the PhilGAP-certified Wonders Farm in Jordan, Guimaras made up the initial delivery.

Officials intend for the Belgian capital to serve as a gateway to potential buyers and consumers in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany.

While the initial volume is modest, agriculture officials view the initiative as a strategic market test to gauge consumer demand and attract European importers looking for premium fruits.

The project aligns with a broader strategy to diversify export destinations, lower reliance on traditional markets, and secure higher returns for local farmers.

“Every successful entry into  a new market creates more opportunities for Filipino farmers and exporters,” said Agriculture Secretary Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. 

“Europe is a premium market where quality, food safety and traceability are highly valued, making it an important growth area for Philippine agricultural exports,” he said.

The shipment underscores how local certifications like Philippine Good Agricultural Practices help domestic growers meet the rigorous food safety, quality and traceability benchmarks demanded by European Union regulators.

Guimaras mangoes carry a reputation as some of the sweetest in the world, making them a natural candidate for luxury agricultural trade.