US banana market bigger than China, says Alcala

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DA prepares to ship bananas to the US, a larger market than China

MANILA, Philippines – United States is a bigger market for Philippine bananas than China, said the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a press briefing for the launch of the Agri-Pinoy Trading Center program on Friday, September 14, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Philippine bananas may be shipped to the US by year-end.

Alcala said he has discussed with US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas the necessary sanitary requirements that will enable Philippine banana exports to enter the US.

“I had a breakfast meeting (with) Ambassador Thomas yesterday (September 13). (We discussed) the safety and quality of our bananas. (The US) is a big market, bigger than what was lost to us,” Alcala said.

It can be noted that China imposed restriction on Philippine bananas. Due to this, the country’s banana exports to China only reached 358,000 metric tons worth P4.75 billion in 2011.

PH bananas go global

Alcala earlier said Philippine Cavendish bananas are eyed for shipment to US military commissaries; there are 250 of these commissaries worldwide.

American military commissaries sell groceries and household goods to active-duty guard, reserve, and retired members of all 7 uniformed services of the United States and their families.

The DA chief said bananas can be preserved for 30 to 45 days if shipped at a temperature of 4 degrees. This is no longer a problem since the technology is now available to prolong the shelf life of bananas. – Rappler.com

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