In a delicious turn of events, the Philippines’ Hass avocados are making their way to the kitchens of South Koreans, who have a growing appetite for these tropical gems for their nutritional value, after the Korean government gave its official nod for their export.
The delectable Hass avocadoes destined for Korean dishes and salads will start making their entrance onto Korean shores later this month and will be sourced from the orchards and packing houses of Dole Philippines located in Davao, Bukidnon, and South Cotabato, the Department of Foreign Affairs broke the news.
“The Philippines may already export Hass avocado for the 2023-24 season as it is now compliant with the mutually agreed requirements in the workplan,” read the DFA statement.
For those unfamiliar with this avocado variety, Hass avocados are known for their dark green, bumpy feel. When they hit that perfect ripeness, they turn into a rich purplish-black hue and yield to gentle pressure, making them a favorite among avocado lovers.
The approval to import Hass avocados into Korea comes after a series of inspections conducted last February. This has been a long-awaited moment for Philippine agriculture, as the journey to secure market access for these avocados began in 2009 and faced delays due to the one-at-a-time policy for Pest Risk Analysis.
The resumption of PRA for Hass avocados followed the Philippines’ success in gaining market access for okra exports to Korea in 2021.
Aside from fresh okra, the country holds the unique position as the sole exporter to Korea of high-value seafood products such as abalone, eel, blood cockle, octopus, sea cucumber, and various fishes that make their way to Korean plates.
In 2022, South Korea snagged the spot as the fourth-largest destination for Philippine agri-food exports, with a total export value of US$ 574.27 million.
The arrival of Hass avocados in South Korea couldn’t have come at a better time. South Koreans are fans of these fruits, using them as the ultimate super-ingredient for their salads and sandwiches. These avocados are found in both fresh and frozen forms at leading retail stores and online markets.
To make sure that this venture is a hit, the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul and Dole Korea, will be leading the charge with promotional activities to raise awareness among consumers and boost these delicious exports.
