Guimaras mangoes reach Hong Kong market

The world-renowned Guimaras mango has taken another step toward expanding its international market presence with the successful export of a 100-kilogram test shipment of premium Carabao mangoes to Hong Kong.

The shipment is part of the Guimaras Mango Test Market Shipment Logistics Feasibility Assessment, an initiative designed to evaluate export logistics, determine market viability, and identify opportunities to expand Guimaras mango exports to international markets.

The export was made possible through a partnership between Kokomojo Farm and a Hong Kong-based importer.

The partnership was facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry Guimaras under Officer-in-Charge Juvy D. Benliro, with the assistance of Nesgen Rhea Zerrudo and Jessa Marie Tibajares.

The initiative was also carried out in collaboration with the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group, headed by Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco; Provincial Economic Development Officer Francis Gentoral; and Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava of the Provincial Government of Guimaras.

The milestone shipment highlights the strong collaboration among DTI Guimaras, the Bureau of Plant Industry Guimaras and Region 6, the Bureau of Customs Iloilo, and the Provincial Government of Guimaras in supporting the province’s export development efforts.

To ensure compliance with international agricultural and phytosanitary standards, the mangoes underwent inspection and certification processes led by Arlene Pernia, regional manager of the BPI Plant Quarantine Service Iloilo; Sixto Cabila, center chief of BPI National Seed Quality Control Services Iloilo; and Yondre J. Yonder, center chief of BPI Guimaras NCRDPSC.

The mangoes left Guimaras at 1:30 p.m. on June 9, 2026, and reached Hong Kong at 10 p.m. on June 10, 2026.

The shipment arrived in time for the Philippine Independence Day celebration, where the mangoes were set to be showcased to diplomats, business leaders, members of the Filipino community, and other distinguished guests.

Guimaras mangoes are recognized as the Philippines’ first registered geographical indication, a designation that helps protect the identity, origin, and reputation of products linked to a specific place.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines also lists Guimaras mango as known for its sweetness, with a sweetness level of 16 degrees Brix and higher.

Officials said the test shipment will generate valuable insights for future export operations.

If successful, the initiative could pave the way for regular commercial shipments and open new market opportunities for Guimaras mango growers and exporters.

The shipment is also expected to further strengthen Guimaras’ reputation as a source of premium-quality mangoes in the global market.

This milestone underscores the commitment of government agencies and industry stakeholders to advancing the internationalization of Guimaras mangoes.

It also aims to create sustainable export opportunities that will benefit local farmers, producers, and the provincial economy.