Gyeongnam's paprika industry is strategically expanding its export markets beyond Japan to the Philippines, with the first shipment departing despite challenges in Japan. This milestone was celebrated at the '2025 Paprika Philippines Export Shipment Commemoration Ceremony', highlighting the efforts of Copa and the Gagopa Export Agricultural Cooperative to penetrate the Philippine market with a initial shipment of 3.2 tons. Despite facing challenges in the Japanese market due to rising costs and labor issues, this diversification aims to protect its existing foothold in Japan while expanding to a new market. The Philippine market is expected to provide a fresh opportunity for domestic paprika varieties like ‘Red Roman’, with plans to ensure product freshness through temperature-controlled containers and preservatives.