Demand for RP bananas growing

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported yesterday a huge demand for senorita and other kinds of local bananas.

Benito Bengzon Jr., head of the DOT’s Team Japan, said the huge demand for Philippine bananas is driven by the so-called ‘banana diet’ which has become popular among Japanese women. Bengzon said banana is the main source of fiber and potassium for most Japanese women.

“The Philippine banana is very popular in Japan despite its high cost,” Bengzon said as he noted that the fruit is being used to encourage prospective Japanese travelers to visit the country.

With the high demand for Philippines bananas. DOT has entered into an agreement with the Banana Importing Association of Japan to promote Philippine-sourced bananas to the Japanese consumer market.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said with the agreement, more Japanese tourists are likely to visit the country considering that part of the Philippines’ charm is its abundant supply of tropical fruits.

“The promotion of our Philippine produce is part of the DOT’s strategy to lure Japanese visitors to visit the Philippines. High quality but low-cost products are a come-on to the choosy Japanese market,” Durano explained.

He then noted that the Philippines is now the top exporter of bananas to Japan, providing 862,000 tons or 91.4 percent of the said country’s banana requirement. Other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Taiwan also export bananas to Japan but in much smaller quantities.

A report from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) showed that the country exported $400.8 million worth of bananas to Japan in 2007.    — Mayen Jaymalin