|
Interested in exporting table-stock potatoes to a new market?
The United States Potato Board (USPB) is now organizing a trade mission to the Philippines for U.S. table-stock potato growers, Sept. 17-19. This is your opportunity to meet and build relationships with importers and retailers in this new market.
After four years of work, the Philippines revised its import requirements to allow for entry of U.S. fresh table-stock potatoes starting in July 2013. Recent economic growth, along with a population approaching 100 million, has propelled demand for imported foods in the Philippines. The Philippines became the fastest growing economy in Asia during the first quarter of 2013 with GDP growth at 7.8 percent. Potatoes are a popular vegetable and are used in a variety of local dishes. Filipino consumers increasingly prefer to purchase groceries from modern retail outlets, which provide a convenient format for one-stop shopping. This preference has led to growth in the hypermarket retail format where imported table-stock potatoes are most likely to be sold.
The trip will include the following: A market briefing from USPB representatives on the Filipino market, a retail tour, a U.S. table-stock potato seminar for local importers and retailers and one-on-one meetings with potential Filipino buyers. The seminar will give local importers and retailers an opportunity to learn about the U.S. potato industry and table-stock potato varieties, storage and handling, nutrition and consumer research and will provide U.S. growers with a chance to meet the key players in the Filipino fruit and vegetable industry.
U.S. growers attending this trade mission will be responsible for their airfare and other expenses, except as noted on the registration forms. If you are interested, please contact Sarah Reece atsarah@uspotatoes.com or 303-873-2334.
|