Philippines: Geographical Identification to boost Guimaras mango sales
Guimaras governor Felipe Hilan A. Nava said in a press conference conducted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) during a seminar on “Geographical Indication” that they expect to resume exports to the US market after five years following the inspection by the US Department of Agriculture on Guimaras mangoes last year.
According to Nava, the mango production in Guimaras has dwindled to 7,000 to 8,000 metric tons from a peak 12,000 MT five years ago because of erratic weather condition. Of this production, only 40 percent can be exported.The US and Australia have allowed Guimaras mangoes to enter their markets. But there had been no exports to the US in the last five years because they could not compete with the price of mangoes from Mexico.
Mexico has been promoting the Manila mango variety and has been exporting mangoes to the U.S. for only $9 per box as against the Philippines $40 per box.
Nava, however, suggested that the gaining of Geographical Indication status could improve the fruit's potential in export markets.
The designation of a region as a “GI” provides protection to the unique native products originating from that particular region in the country. These indications consists of the name of the place from which a product originated. It is a sign used on goods that possess string characteristics or a reputation essentially attributable to their geographic origin and justifies a premium price tag.
Source: www.mb.com.ph
