An initial 20-ton shipment of Cardava bananas destined for Saudi Arabia departed on June 26, according to the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11). The consignment consisted of 1,540 boxes, each weighing 13 kg, with an expected transit duration of 35 days.
The export operation was managed by GERB Golden Hands Corporation, an accredited exporter. DA-11 regional director Macario Gonzaga noted, "This was an offshoot from the International Expo we attended in Dubai last year, the AGRA Middle East (AGRAME). GERB Corp. attended, and that's where we established the market linkage," as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
The supply chain involved the Magsasakang Progresibo Marketing Cooperative, a farmers' group that received support from the agency. "DA-11 led this export milestone through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD)," Gonzaga stated, highlighting the agency's efforts in connecting local producers to international markets through participation in agri-trade events.
The AGRA Middle East Exhibition 2024, held in October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, showcased the agricultural sector's focus on innovation and sustainability, and helped promote the global reach of Philippine agriculture.
Source: Pageone
