US banana mart larger than China

MANILA, Philippines - The US banana market, which is expected receive produce from the Philippines by the end of the year, may be larger than the China market.

In a press briefing for the launch of the Agri-Pinoy Trading Center program yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said he had a meeting with US Ambassor to the Philippines Harry Thomas on Thursday regarding sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for banana exports.

“I had a breakfast meeting with Ambassador Thomas yesterday. The safety and quality of our bananas were discussed,” said Alcala, noting this is a big market, bigger than what was rejected from us.”

Philippine Banana exports to China totaled 358,000 MT worth P4.75 billion in 2011. China has slapped restrictions on Philippine bananas, but demand has also been low.

Earlier, Alcala said Philippine Cavendish bananas are eyed for shipment to US military commissaries. The US Department of Defense operates 250 commissaries worldwide. He said technology is now available to prolong the shelf life of bananas.

American military commissaries sell groceries and household goods to active-duty, guard, reserve, and retired members of all seven uniformed services of the United States and their families.

Alcala said training for inspectors for the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) would begin next week.

BPI director Clarito Baron earlier said exportation is eyed by November or December.

He said bananas could be preserved for 30 to 45 days if shipped at a temperature of four degrees.