The Philippines has opened its market to fresh Hass avocados from Peru following the signing of a bilateral work plan between the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and Peru's National Agrarian Health Service.
According to the BPI, the agreement outlines the phytosanitary requirements and operational guidelines for the safe entry of Peruvian Hass avocados into the Philippine market. "The work plan establishes the phytosanitary requirements and operational guidelines that will govern the safe entry of Peruvian Hass avocados into the Philippine market – ensuring that imported produce meets the highest standards of plant health and food safety," the agency said.
The BPI stated that the work plan is the result of several months of technical discussions and evaluations between the two countries and aims to strengthen agricultural cooperation and safe trade practices. The agency added that the agreement aligns with international standards under the World Trade Organization and the International Plant Protection Convention.
The entry of Peruvian avocados is expected to diversify the Philippines' agricultural imports and provide consumers with more product options in the domestic market. The BPI said the cooperation also reflects the government's efforts to attract new investments and promote safe, sustainable agricultural trade.
Officials noted that the partnership between the Philippines and Peru will include closer coordination on plant protection, food safety, and technical knowledge sharing in the agri-food sector.
By approving Peruvian avocado imports, the Philippines aims to strengthen its position as an active participant in global agricultural trade while maintaining high standards of safety and quality for imported products.
The Department of Agriculture said the Hass variety is favored among importers for its flavor and creamy texture. Its smaller size and pebbly skin, which darkens to a purplish-black color when ripe, are also traits preferred by many international markets.
Source: Philstar Global
