필리핀산 신선 바나나

History

Banana cultivation in the Philippines dates back centuries, but commercial exports began in the early 1970s. The Cavendish banana became the primary export due to its durability, yield, and international appeal. Japan was the first major export market, followed by South Korea, China, and the Middle East.

Production Regions

• Davao Region: Produces over 80% of the country’s export-quality bananas, especially from Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.
• Northern Mindanao: Key areas include Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
• Soccskargen: Significant production in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

These regions offer ideal agro-climatic conditions and access to export ports.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: Tropical, warm, and humid throughout the year with evenly distributed rainfall.
• Soil: Volcanic, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter.
• Altitude: Most plantations are situated at 300 to 1,000 meters above sea level, ideal for disease control.

Harvesting Process

• Season: Year-round, with slight peaks depending on local rainfall patterns.
• Method: Manual harvesting in bunches, followed by immediate transport to packinghouses for de-handing, washing, and grading.

Cultivation Methods

• Variety: Primarily Cavendish for export. Other varieties like Lakatan and Saba are for domestic use.
• Practices: Use of tissue-cultured planting materials, cover cropping, and integrated pest management.

Supply Chain

• Growers: Combination of large multinationals (e.g., Dole, Del Monte, Sumifru) and smallholder farmers.
• Packing Facilities: Located near plantations; bananas are washed, sorted, packed, and pre-cooled within hours of harvest.
• Cold Chain: Essential for preserving fruit quality from farm to ship.

Export Ports

• Port of Davao: Handles the majority of banana exports; proximity to key plantations ensures freshness.
• Port of General Santos: Also a major outlet for bananas from South Cotabato and Sarangani.

Regulations and Certifications

• Phytosanitary Compliance: Strict government protocols managed by the Bureau of Plant Industry.
• Certifications: Many exporters hold GlobalG.A.P., ISO, and organic certifications for market access to Japan, South Korea, and the EU.

Quality Standards

• Grading: Bananas must meet criteria for length (typically 18 to 22 cm), ripeness, and blemish-free skin.
• Packaging: 12 to 13 kg carton boxes with plastic liners and padding to reduce bruising.
• Shelf Life: Typically 25 to 35 days under controlled temperature (13 to 14°C).

Trade Terms

• HS Code: 0803.90 (Bananas, fresh).
• Top Destinations: China, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
• Export Value (2023): Approx. USD 1.14 billion. (psa.gov.ph)

Environmental Impact

• Disease Pressure: Panama disease (TR4) is a persistent threat, especially in monoculture plantations.
• Mitigation: Increased focus on TR4-resistant cultivars and disease-free planting materials.
• Sustainability: Large exporters invest in reforestation, watershed protection, and reduced pesticide use.

Social Impact

• Employment: The banana industry supports over 330,000 workers directly and indirectly, particularly in Mindanao.
• Community Support: Companies contribute to rural development through health, education, and infrastructure projects.

Uses

• Fresh Consumption: Primarily exported as table bananas.
• Processed Products: A smaller portion is processed into banana chips, puree, and flour.