The Philippines is expected to start exporting mangoes to Australia, with the first consignments of carabao mangoes reportedly due within weeks.

Illustrative photo (Photo: philnews.ph)

The Philippine Embassy in Canberra said in a statement that protocols related to the export of mangoes to Australia had been in place since 2016 and the industry was now ready to start the first shipments during Australia's winter months.

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Helen B. De La Vega said that for many years, Australians have been enjoying dried mangoes from the Philippines which has become a popular healthy snack in the Oceania country.

According to Brett Kelly, Chief Executive of the Australian Mango Industry Association, it was unknown how many mangoes Australia would import this year from the Philippines but he predicted that a huge amount of Philippines mangoes will be imported into Australia, adding that it will not cause any problem for the Australian industry and trade as "trade is a two-way street".

He said Australian consumers still prefer mangoes grown in their own country.

De La Vega said unlike Australia which has a season that normally starts around September and ends by March, the Philippines produced mangoes all year round. Thus, she said, the winter season is the best time to make Philippine mangoes available in the market to ensure Filipinos and Australians alike are able to enjoy this national fruit of the Philippines all year round.

Australia imported 726 tonnes of fresh mangoes last year. Its biggest supplier was Thailand, followed by India, Mexico, Brazil and Pakistan.

Source: VNA