Capitalizing on the rising demand for organic products in Europe, the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, is actively promoting the country’s popular ube (purple yam) delicacy. With a keen eye on the evolving European market preferences, the consulate sees an opportunity to tap into the organic food sector, particularly in Germany, where organic food consumption surged by 22 percent during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Maria Yvette “Ivy” Banzon-Abalos, the Philippine Consul General in Frankfurt, emphasized that ube is naturally grown in the Philippines without chemical fertilizers, making it an inherently organic product. Rich in anthocyanins, ube aligns with the health-conscious choices that have fueled the organic food trend. Abalos highlighted the potential of organic agriculture as a dream export sector for the Philippines.
Abalos underscored the need to understand the changing dynamics of the European market. While recognizing the organic appeal of Philippine ube, she acknowledged that Vietnam is currently outpacing the Philippines in ube exports, offering frozen varieties. To secure a foothold in the growing market, Abalos emphasized the importance of market-savvy strategies.
With the organic market experiencing significant growth in Europe, the promotion of naturally grown Philippine ube presents both challenges and opportunities. Abalos expressed concern that without strategic market awareness, Vietnam might surpass the Philippines in capturing the potential market for ube. The consulate’s proactive approach aims to position the Philippines as a competitive player in the evolving European organic food landscape.
