Imports of fresh fruits increased by 35% in value

The health crisis has led to a change in eating habits and consumers in the Philippines are consuming more local or imported fruits.

 

A recent report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), United States Department of Agriculture, from the Manila, Philippines office, indicated that global fresh fruit exports to the Philippines reached 695 million USD in 2020, an increase of + 36% compared to 2019. The report predicts that the Philippines is expected to further increase its imports by + 5% in 2021.

 

According to the report, Filipino consumers have incorporated more fresh fruit into their diet since the onset of Covid-19.

 

Currently, the main fruit exporting countries to the Philippines are the United States, China and Australia.

 

The most imported fresh fruits by the Philippines are apples, tangerines, oranges, lemons, grapes, kiwis, melons, pears and cherries. These imported fresh fruits are often cheaper than some local fruits, the report said.

 

In the country, demand for imported fruit peaks during the holiday season (October to December) and during the dry season (March to May).

 

source : mb.com.ph, philstar.com