World-famous Guimaras mangoes are now in Europe

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Guimaras mangoes, the first product in the Philippines to secure Geographical Indication (GI) registration, have entered the European market through their first direct export shipment, marking a milestone for the province’s export industry.

The inaugural shipment, consisting of 100 kilograms of GI-certified mangoes exported by Guimaras Wonders Farm, was sent off June 10 and is bound for Belgium, which will serve as the entry point for distribution to Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

The export comes three years after Guimaras mangoes earned GI registration, a designation that recognizes and protects products whose qualities and reputation are linked to their geographic origin.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) granted the registration in 2023, making the fruit the country’s first GI-protected product.

The recognition carries particular weight in Europe, where the GI system originated and where certified products such as Champagne and Parmigiano Reggiano typically command premium prices.

While modest in volume, the shipment is expected to gauge market interest in Europe and help establish a foothold for Guimaras mangoes in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Known for their sweetness and distinct flavor, Guimaras mangoes are among the country’s most sought-after fruits.

Industry stakeholders view the European shipment as an opportunity to showcase the product beyond its traditional export destinations and attract potential buyers.

The initiative was undertaken through the collaboration of the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas (DA-6), various units of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Brussels, the Bureau of Customs Region VI, the Guimaras provincial government, Airspeed Philippines, Philippine Airlines, and other partners.

Christopher Verne Arbon of Airspeed Philippines said the shipment demonstrates how cooperation among exporters, government agencies, and logistics partners can open international markets for local agricultural products.

Ruel Gesmundo, assistant director for regulatory services and concurrent chief of BPI’s National Seed Quality Control Services, described the export as a landmark achievement for Philippine agriculture.

DA-6 Regional Technical Director for Operations Maria Teresa Solis said the agency has continued to support producers and exporters through trade fairs and market-linking activities aimed at expanding opportunities for local products overseas.

Officials said the shipment could pave the way for larger export volumes and create additional opportunities for mango growers and producers in the province.

A separate 100-kilogram consignment of Guimaras mangoes was shipped to Hong Kong on June 9.