Philippine Carabao mangoes make first commercial shipment to Canada 

The shipment supports Philippine efforts to boost agricultural exports and reach premium global markets.

The Philippines has shipped its first commercial batch of fresh Carabao mangoes to Canada, sending 1 metric ton to Vancouver as exporters look to build demand for the country’s mangoes beyond traditional markets.

The shipment consisted of 250 cartons and was sent from the NAIA Complex in Parañaque City on September 18 through a partnership between Mensch FilAm Corp. and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau.

Vancouver-based Fresh Makers Ltd. will distribute the mangoes to supermarkets and institutional buyers, with Air Canada handling air transport and Airspeed Cargo providing logistics support.

The shipment gives Philippine mango growers access to a new market, but turning a first order into a regular export business will depend on whether growers and exporters can consistently meet Canadian requirements while keeping the product competitive after freight and other costs.

The Department of Agriculture has been working on some of the supply-side issues that could affect exports. More than 40 mango growers’ groups have been consolidated into a federation to improve coordination and supply consolidation.

The Bureau of Plant Industry is also addressing diseases affecting mango production and strengthening plant health measures.

The Canadian shipment comes as the Philippines looks to increase agricultural exports and find higher-value markets for local produce.

But one successful shipment does not establish a market as regular orders, sufficient supply, consistent quality, disease control, and shipping costs will determine whether Canadian buyers continue to source Carabao mangoes from the Philippines.

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