Philippine Duck Meat Breaks into Japanese Market
Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez (center) witnesses the signing of the Sales Agreement Contract. With him are (L-R) Agriculture Attaché Dr. Samuel B. Animas, AonoFresh Meat Ltd. President Hiroshi Aono, Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures Corp. Chairman and CEO Vicente T. Lao, and DaigoTsucho Co., Ltd. President Ken Kawaratani (Photoy: M. Akim)
PHILIPPINE EMBASSY, TOKYO – The dynamic trade partnership between the Philippines and Japan is taking another leap forward with the signing last 7 March of a sales agreement contract between Davao-based Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures Corp, and its Japanese partners, Daigo Tsucho Co., Ltd. and Aono Fresh Meats Ltd., for the export of duck meat from the Philippines.
Under the deal, the Shizuoka City-based companies will become the sole distributors of Maharlika’s duck meat products in Japan.
The contract signing comes on the heels of successful market tests in Japan using the first-ever batch of commercial-quantity Maharlika duck meat exports that arrived last January 12. Japanese importers took notice of the high quality of the Philippine variety and found it more than satisfactory in meeting the discriminating taste buds of Japanese duck connoisseurs.
The contracting parties are also considering possible exportation of whole ducks, premium breast meat, boneless leg meat, bone-in leg meat, wings, and fillets.
The export of duck meat to Japan opens crucial business and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos, especially in the Mindanao area. “This is an important breakthrough”, said Ambassador Manuel M. Lopez. “We are confident that Philippine duck meat will continue to make significant inroads in the lucrative Japanese market, ultimately benefiting producers and associated industries in our country”.
The export of duck meat to Japan was strongly pushed by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. Unlike other Asian competitors, Philippine poultry products continue to enjoy bird flu-free status. END
Closing the deal with a handshake – Mr. Lao and Mr.Aono after the Sales Agreement Contract was signed.
