Mango forum
September 12, 2011, 5:10pm
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (PNA) – Stakeholders in the mango industry will focus on increasing the competitiveness of Philippine mangoes in export markets, and developing more production areas in Mindanao during this year’s 13th National Mango Congress to be held this month.
The congress, to run from September 28 to 30 with the theme “Positioning the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market,” will be held in Glan, Sarangani, an emerging mango producer and tourist destination in southern Mindanao
Fred Dumasis, president of the Sarangani Federation of Fruit Industry Associations, Inc., said the conference will provide updates on export market requirements, the latest production technologies, and best production practices.
It will also showcase areas in Mindanao with the potential for mango production.
About 500 growers, processors, consolidators, exporters, and ancillary service providers from across the country are expected to attend the three-day congress.
“We would like to highlight this sub-region, especially Sarangani, as a viable location for off-season mango production,” said Dumasis.
Japan and Hong Kong remain the biggest buyers of Philippine mangoes, accounting for 51 and 31 percent, respectively, of the country's mango exports, according to a recent report by the Mindanao Fruit Industry Council (MinFruit).
Other countries where Philippine mangoes have gained a market foothold are South Korea, the United States, Singapore, and China.
Luzon remains the country’s primary producer of carabao mangoes, accounting for 64 percent of production, while Mindanao accounts for 23 percent, according to MinFruit.
