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The inaugural delivery of fresh Hass avocados from the Philippines to South Korea was made on Sept 30
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The 3,040 boxes, with an estimated value of $48,433, were shipped from KTC Port Tibungo, Davao City and is expected to arrive in Pyongtaek Port, South Korea on Oct. 8
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The Bureau of Plant Industry and South Korea’s Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency reached an agreement for the shipment of Hass avocados on June 19 that came into effect on Sept. 8
The Philippines’ first shipment of fresh Hass avocados to South Korea was finally made on Sept. 30, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The 3,040 boxes, with an estimated value of $48,433, was shipped off KTC Port Tibungo, Davao City, and is expected to arrive in Pyongtaek Port, South Korea on Oct. 8, DA said in a statement.
Hass is a variety of avocado that is dark green in color with bumpy peel, which, when ripe, becomes dark purplish-black and yields to gentle pressure. Hass avocado enjoys popularity in South Korea as a nutritional ingredient for salads and sandwiches. It is available in leading retail stores and the online market in fresh and frozen forms.
DA said it was on Sept. 25, 2009 when the Philippines, through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), officially expressed its intent to export fresh Hass avocado fruits to South Korea, responding to the request of agricultural food producer Dole Philippines, Inc.
The Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) of the Republic of Korea and BPI reached an agreement on June 19, 2023 that came into effect on Sept. 8.
The Philippines completed requirements for the ruling process for entry of Philippine Hass avocados to South Korea following an official notification from the latter’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs on Sept. 8, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DA credited BPI and the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul for making the shipment happen. BPI director Gerald Glenn Panganiban played a crucial role in speeding up market access request during the International Plant Protection Convention, which was attended by many countries, including APQA’s top management.
DFA earlier said the fresh Hass avocado exports from the Philippines are expected to be sourced from the orchards and packing houses of Dole Philippines in Davao, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato.
