Guimaras tests Hong Kong market in mango export push

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Provincial Government of Guimaras shipped 100 kilograms of premium mangoes to Hong Kong as part of an initiative assessing the viability of expanded exports to one of Asia’s leading premium fruit markets.

The shipment consists of Carabao mangoes from the Philippine Good Agricultural Practice (PhilGAP)-certified Kokomojo Mango Farm in Sibunag and forms part of the Guimaras Mango Test Market Shipment Logistics Feasibility Assessment.

The pilot project aims to evaluate logistics requirements and commercial opportunities for the province’s flagship agricultural product.

The mangoes will be showcased during Philippine Independence Day activities in Hong Kong, where diplomats, business leaders, and other guests are expected to sample the fruit, provincial officials said.

Guimaras Gov. Ma. Lucille Nava said the initiative reflects the province’s efforts to expand market access for local growers while promoting their mangoes to potential international buyers.

“Guimaras is committed to bringing our world-class mangoes to global buyers while ensuring the welfare of our farmers,” Nava said in a statement.

She added that the pilot shipment demonstrates how collaboration among government agencies, growers, and industry stakeholders can create new economic opportunities for farming communities.

The provincial government coordinated with several national agencies and private-sector partners to facilitate the initiative.

These include the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) and its attached offices: the BPI-Plant Quarantine Service Iloilo, the BPI-Guimaras National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center, and the BPI-National Seed Quality Control Services Iloilo.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Kokomojo Mango Farm, AirSpeed, and a Hong Kong-based importer are also part of the project.

To comply with international plant health standards, the mangoes underwent phytosanitary inspection led by BPI officials.

Local stakeholders also ensured proper handling of the fruit from harvest through export preparation, the provincial government said.

Officials view the test shipment as a preliminary step toward strengthening Guimaras’ export capability and identifying improvements in postharvest handling, packing, and cold-chain logistics.

The provincial government said it will continue supporting geographical indication (GI) initiatives, PhilGAP certification, and good agricultural practices among growers.

It also aims to strengthen partnerships with national agencies and private exporters to establish sustainable export pathways for Guimaras mangoes.

Guimaras mangoes became the country’s first product to receive GI registration in May 2023, when the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines approved the application of the Guimaras Mango Growers and Producers Development Cooperative on May 13 of that year, recognizing the fruit’s distinct quality and reputation tied to the island province’s climate and soil.

The GI seal places Guimaras mangoes alongside origin-protected products such as France’s Cognac, Scotland’s Scotch whisky, and Italy’s Parmigiano Reggiano, a status the DTI has been actively promoting in international trade exhibitions.