Philippines starts exporting okra to South Korea

The Philippines over the weekend made its first commercial shipment of fresh okra to South Korea, with an initial batch of 1,200 kilograms.

The initial export was shipped by a private-sector group led by Philippine Okra Producers and Exporters Association (POPEA), chaired by Roberto Amores.

The export was made through a Philippine Airlines cargo flight from Manila to Incheon on Sunday, June 6, 2021.

The shipment is the first of three batches before the okra season ends in mid-June, after starting in mid-October. It is expected to arrive in Korea within 36 hours to maintain quality and freshness.

"The opportunity to sell fresh okra is almost the same for both Korea and Japan due to their similar weather pattern and off-season period, where Philippine origin is in good timing for the production schedule," Amores said in a statement released by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes, Philippine Okra Exports and Producers Association Chairman Roberto Amores, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, and Agriculture Secretary William Dar hold boxes of Philippine okra about to be shipped to South Korea. Philippine Airlines photo

Amores said reorders are expected soon given the aggressive promotions pushed by the local officials, along with the private sector groups such as the POPEA, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), and the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (PHILFOODEX).

At present, the Philippines has only two accredited exporters to Korea -- Hi-Las Marketing Corporation, and Jelfarm Fresh Produce Enterprise.

"This will really strengthen our efforts to support the high-value crops not only for local consumption, but for exports," said Agriculture Secretary William Dar. — RSJ, GMA News