September 12, 2007
Philippines ready to tap Asia-Pacific pork market
Philippines' pork producers are ready to tap the pork market in the Asia-Pacific, starting with the first shipments to Singapore.
Carlos Mendoza, Livestock Development Council interim director, said processors in the Philippines are bullish that pork from the Philippines can penetrate the Asia-Pacific region, starting with Singapore.
Last year, prospective buyers from Singapore visited South Cotabato province for pork supplies.
Two companies, Matutum Meat and Nenita, were selected to export supplies to the country. Shipments would begin once health authorities from Singapore give processing facilities a clean bill of health.
Mendoza said the two meat processing companies -- which were initially required to supply 200 tonnes of frozen cut pork meat, have their expansion plans already in place.
He said Matutum Meat, which which has been modernizing its processing plant, plans to expand its weekly production from the current 1,500 heads to 5,000 heads in the next few years years.
Nenita has also spent millions modernizing its slaughterhouse and processing facilities in Davao, he added.
Matutum Meat manager Stephen Castillo said if the Singaporean market could be successfully penetrated, it would be a huge boost to Philippines' swine industry since Singapore's standards serve as the barometer for other Asean-member nations.
Philippines' pork producers can then open doors to the other markets in the region, with Singapore included among its clientele.
The country's first pork shipment was initially scheduled in July but was delayed until October.
Regional Agriculture Director Abusama Alid expects exports to enhance the growth of the swine industry in the area.
With successful exports, demand for pigs would eventually surge, he predicted.
Mindanao was chosen by the government of the Philippines to initiate the country's pork export since the island has been certified foot-and-mouth disease free by the (OIE) or World Organization for Animal Health.
