Berlin (9 February 2013).
The Philippine Embassy in Berlin reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that four globally-established Philippine companies have joined the Fruit Logistica at the MESSE-Berlin, Germany, on February 6-8, 2013.
Agricultural Attache Pit Laquian (left) and First Secretary Adrian Cruz (sixth from left) join the local exhibitors at the Philippine Booth.
A buyer inspects the fresh tropical fruits on display. The Fruit Logistica opened in Berlin on February 6-8, 2013.
The Fruit Logistica is considered the leading trade fair for the international fresh fruit trade. Four Philippine fruit exporters – AgriNurture Inc., Flora Integrated Farms Inc, Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc., and Refmad-V Enterprises – took part in the three-day international fair, which attracted more than 58,000 trade visitors from 130 countries and 2,500 exhibitors from across the entire fresh produce value chain.
The Philippine exhibition, dubbed “Food Philippines: A Feast of Flavors” was made possible by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. The main Philippine products featured were carabao-variety mangoes, red lady and solo papayas, Cavendish bananas, organic coconut water, queen pineapple and red-fleshed dragon fruit. Many of these products were seen by European visitors only for the first time at the trade fair, and not surprisingly, they were the subject of much curiosity and attention. All of the Filipino exhibitors expressed confidence that many of their high-quality agricultural products will be making their debut in the European market very soon.
Ms. Jocelyn Tago-Mallari, Vice President for Marketing, Raspina Tropical Fruits, said that their company made the right choice to join the trade fair as it gives them the chance to bring to Europe the fresh tropical fruits that are naturally-grown from the farmlands and pasteurs of Mindanao. Their product line include bananas, papayas and pineapples.
Ms. Flora Abadesco, President of Flora Integrated Farms Inc., expressed confidence that their organic products – notably the Queen Pineapple (Formosa variety) that is grown in the province of Camarines Norte – will be reaching consumers in Italy, Russia and France in the near future. Mr. Inti Jaramillo, Vice President of AgriNurture Inc., said that in keeping up to the goal of his company to further explore other horizons abroad, they are now set to introduce organic coconut water in major eco-shops in the Netherlands.
Ms. Mildred Dacuycuy, who is representing Refmad-V Enterprise, which owns the fist dragon fruit plantation in the Ilocos Norte region of the Philippines, noted that quite a number of distributors were impressed by the distinct appearance and taste of the Saniata dragon fruit.
Ms. Karen Adecer, the Official Representative of Messe Berlin to the Philippines, revealed that the Fruit Logistica organizers “were especially excited that the Philippines had joined the trade fair for the first time.” “Joining trade fairs is a commitment,” according to Ms. Petra Keitz, project coordinator for the Fruit Logistica, “and I hope to see more Philippine exhibitors in the coming years.”
The Saniata dragon fruit is noted for its red flesh and sweet juicy taste not found in other varieties;
Carabao mangoes from the Philippines were sometimes mistaken at the Fruit Logistica for potatoes
the Queeon pineapples – known for their sweet flavour and crunchy texture – were said to have been named after Queen Victoria of Spain.
For next year’s Fruit Logistica, efforts are underway to expand the number of participating Philippine exporters, to include companies that are involved in cut flowers, aerial plants and vegetables.
Based on statistics from the Department of Agriculture, assorted Philippine fresh fruit products (e.g, bananas, mangoes, coconut and pineapple) have made its way to various parts of Europe, including Russia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Italy, and the UK. (end)
