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November 18, 2024 | The Manila Times |

The Philippines is now authorized to export locally-grown Hass avocados to Japan, a milestone achieved after 13 years. The first shipment included 2,240 boxes worth $40,320, with plans to export 88,000 boxes valued at $1.58 million in 2025. This makes Hass avocados the Philippines' third fruit export to Japan, following bananas and pineapples. 

Preferred for their rich, creamy texture, Hass avocados dominate 80% of global consumption, with Japan importing 61,000 metric tons in 2023. The Philippines, the first Asian country to export Hass avocados to Japan, joins top suppliers like Mexico and Peru. 

The Department of Agriculture (DA) lauded this development, aligning it with efforts to expand agricultural exports. Dole Philippines Inc. and Tropix Fruit Co. facilitated the inaugural shipment, sourcing from Mindanao. 

In 2023, the Philippines exported $1.1 billion worth of agri-fishery products to Japan, achieving a $990 million trade surplus. The new access to Japan's competitive market highlights opportunities for local producers to meet the country's growing demand for fresh fruits. 

The global Hass avocado market is projected to reach $18 billion by 2025, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a key supplier of high-quality fruits to Japan.

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