TOKYO – The Philippines has become the first Asian country to supply Hass avocados to Japan, a milestone achieved after more than a decade of efforts to secure market access and meet rigorous quality standards.
Hass avocados, known for their creamy texture, nutty flavor, and dark pebbly skin, are the most popular variety of avocado worldwide. They are prized for their versatility in dishes such as guacamole, salads, and smoothies, as well as their longer shelf life compared to other varieties.
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Office of the Agriculture Attaché, welcomed the arrival of the first shipment of premium Philippine-grown Hass avocados to the Land of the Rising Sun as a significant step in the Southeast Asian country’s agricultural trade and export diversification efforts.
Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano (2nd from left) with the Philippine Embassy’s Minister for Economic Affairs Christian De Jesus (leftmost), Dole Japan, Inc. Head of the Tropical Sales Department Kentaro Tanaka (2nd from right), and Agricultural Attache Aleli Maghirang (rightmost) at the official opening of the first shipment of premium Philippine-grown Hass avocados to Japan on 25 November 2024.
“This shipment not only underscores the world-class quality of Philippine produce but also reflects the enduring trust and growing partnership between our two nations,” Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano said Monday during the official launch of the shipment at Toyo Oi office in Tokyo.
Garcia-Albano emphasized the importance of the achievement in bolstering Philippines-Japan trade relations and creating new opportunities for Filipino farmers and exporters.
Japan is already the largest export market for fresh bananas from the Philippines, with other tropical fruits like pineapples, mangoes, and papayas also reaching Japanese consumers. - Florenda Corpuz
