SOCCSKSARGEN Exports Pineapple to Saipan

With the assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), a local farmer is now able to export fresh pineapples to Saipan, a commonwealth of the United States of America.

According to a report from the DA XII, RM Fruitz based in nearby Tupi town has recently sent 9 metric tons of MG3 pineapples to Saipan.

“I have been exporting pineapples to different parts of the world just like in Pakistan, Korea and China but this is the first time that we have penetrated the US market,” Ramon Manansala of the RM Fruitz said.

RM Fruitz has also been exporting papayas to Hong Kong and other countries. Manansala, in an interview, attributed his success to efforts of DA, particularly the exposure he got in international and national trade fairs that led to sealing deals with buyers abroad.

“The DA has helped me a lot in this another export breakthrough because they have been exposing me in different local and foreign food expos that has served as a good venue for me to look for more potential buyers,” he said.

The maiden shipment was sent on May 10 at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) compound in General Santos City and was witnessed by DA officials.

Following the initial shipment, RM Fruitz will be sending at least 18 metric tons of fresh pineapple to Saipan weekly, Manansala said.

Regional Executive Director Milagros Casis congratulated Manansala for continuously invading the international markets through his high-quality and globally-competitive fresh fruits like pineapples and solo papayas.

Aside from the DA through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, Manansala also acknowledged the assistance provided by the University of the Philippines – Los Baños and the local agriculture office of Tupi. (with reports from LMSalvo-DA 12)