The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has partnered with logistics provider Airspeed to enhance the supply chain for Guimaras mangoes. This partnership aims to facilitate better market access as part of a broader initiative to support regional agricultural products and improve logistics networks.
The collaboration was initiated during the Guimaras Manggahan Festival, which took place from May 16 to 26. Airspeed has committed to sourcing mangoes from Guimaras Wonders Farm. This initiative aims to connect local producers to larger domestic and potentially international markets, leveraging Airspeed's existing transport and distribution infrastructure.
Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that the Manggahan Festival serves to highlight the quality and uniqueness of Guimaras mangoes. These mangoes have attained Geographical Indication (GI) status, the first and only in the Philippines, recognizing their origin and quality according to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
Roque noted that this initiative is aligned with the government's Bagong Pilipinas agenda, which aims to empower local producers and strengthen the competitiveness of agricultural goods through better logistics and market integration. The goal is to foster regional development and build a more resilient and inclusive economy.
Airspeed conducted a test purchase on April 22 to evaluate product handling across different transport conditions. Discussions with Rose Griesser, owner of Guimaras Wonders Farm, were held to develop logistics strategies and operational scaling plans.
Under this partnership, Airspeed will provide weekly roll-on-roll-off services from Guimaras to key locations, acquiring between 500 kilograms and one ton of mangoes weekly during the festival. Distribution will occur through selected channels such as SM Stores. The agreement also considers potential export opportunities and includes logistics support for Guimaras Wonders Farm's clients in Metro Manila.
According to Griesser, enhanced logistics support will help maintain mango quality during transit and facilitate entry into new markets, thereby expanding the farm's distribution capabilities. This collaboration is part of efforts to enhance the agricultural value chain for high-value regional products like Guimaras mangoes.
Source: Bilyonaryo