Cebu food processor eyes mango exports to South Africa

MANILA, Philippines - The country's largest dried mango producer may supply $500,000 worth of exports to South Africa if ongoing negotiations bear fruit. Justin S. Uy, president of Cebu-based fruit processor and exporter Profood International Corp., said three buyers have expressed interest in importing dried mangoes during a recent trade mission to South Africa conducted by Cebu businessmen. "We’re going to be submitting samples. They’re interested because it’s a new product for them," Mr. Uy said in a phone interview Tuesday. The deal will be finalized in the next two months after tariff and freight costs are computed, he added. One of the South African buyers represent a large retail firm there, Mr. Uy said. Aside from dried mangoes, Profood International Corp. is behind the local brand line of dried fruits, juices, jams and purees. The company ships its goods to Asia, Europe, Canada and the US. About 95% of the food processor’s products are exported. Other Cebuano businessmen who joined the trade mission early this month were likewise hammering out deals, said Carmel de Pio-Salvador, chairman of the Cebu-South Africa Business Council of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "I think deals [among the trade mission participants] will be closed within the year," she said in a separate phone interview. Businessmen in the furniture, beverages, food products, business process outsourcing, forwarding, motor vehicles, real estate and construction industries joined the trade mission. A delegation composed of some 30 South African businessmen will visit Cebu in January or February, Ms. Salvador said. The Philippines sold more products to Africa than it bought in 2007, data from the central bank showed. Exports amounted to $182 million, while imports reached $65 million. About 3% of total exports in 2006 were shipped out of the country through Cebu ports, data from the Bureau of Export Trade Promotions showed. — Jessica Anne D. Hermosa, BusinessWorld