October 31, 2006

Philippine milkfish yet to attract the European market

Although milkfish exports from the Philippines has already penetrated the European market, most of its customers are overseas Filipino workers, meaning that they have not really caught on in Europe, said Anja Gomm, project manager of the GTZ, a organisation that helps Philippine bangus (milkfish) breeders gain access to the European market.

Most of the demand came from Germany and Italy, two countries that have numerous Filipino workers, Gomm said.

The Philippine milkfish, mostly coming from the Western Visayas region in the Philippines, are sold in Asian markets in Europe.

The GTZ is helping the government promote chain management in the milkfish industry as well as increase the competitiveness of Philippine milkfish in the international market.

Gomm said the GTZ is currently working  to update the local milkfish industry on new breeding technologies and helping them understand the European market.

The European Union, she added, has set a high standard regarding fish exports and the Filipinos have much to learn about proper packaging and handling.

Gomm said they are going to assist and give technical help to the milkfish industry players in Western Visayas for more than two years. By the time the project expires, she expects the industry would ready for the international market.

Sta Cruz Foods, which brings milkfish to the Netherlands, is the only company which has gained access to the European market. The Philippine milkfish were shipped to the Netherlands via General Santos City.