MANILA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has sent its first shipment of Hass avocados to Japan, Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said Sunday.
The Philippines becomes the first Asian country to export Hass avocados to Japan, said Tokyo-based Agriculture Attache Aleli Maghirang. "This provides local producers with an excellent opportunity to capitalize on Japan's growing demand for fresh fruits."
Glenn Panganiban, director of the Bureau of Plant Industry, said it took over a decade to secure access to Japan's market for Hass avocados.
The Hass variety of the avocado, favored for its smaller size and pebbly skin that turns purplish-black when ripe, has become popular globally as the main nutritional ingredient for salad and sandwiches. ■