Following long negotiations launched in 2015 and conducted by Italy’s Ministry of Health, the Philippines’ market has now been opened to Italian pork meat and cold cuts. This is a really good news for a very important economic sector in the context of Italian typical food products. In 2016 Italian pork meat companies succeeded in making export goals become real opportunities, showing their skills and competence. ASSICA – Italian Meat and Cold Cuts Companies Association – was involved in the process which resulted in this outcome. Philippines’ health authorities visited Italy during the negotiations to verify the production systems and quality standards. Italy’s Ministry of Health has made Philippines’ market opening official by illustrating the requirements to get all the export operations started. We welcome the Philippines authorities’ decision to open their country to Italian food export – says ASSICA President Nicola Levoni – and we are convinced the Philippines market to have a great growth potential.
AN INTERESTING MARKET – Philippines have a population of nearly 100 million people, and their market and economy are deeply involved in Asia’s outstanding economic growth. In recent years Philippines GDP growth rate (+6%) is second only to China, while their production costs are now said to be even lower. Philippines are distinct from the rest of Asia as they look like Europe for language, religion and mentality. Characterised by a young population, they are one of the most consumption inclined Asian countries and this trend is steadily increasing. Moreover, about 10 million Filipinos emigrated all over the world constitute a significant amount of money-remittances, generating purchases in the country’s supermarkets which are the greatest of all Asia. The middle class is on the rise and large investments in infrastructure, industrial activities, tourism and food sector create positive expectations for the future. A great propensity to consume renders Italian food extremely popular and cherished. The country’s marketplace boasts a wide range of Italian food products, both basic and delicacies. Pasta and tomato sauces are emerging as the most appreciated by Filipinos consumers. The largest Filipinos’ community in Europe lives in Italy. Therefore the connection between the two countries is strengthening and bilateral relations in the cultural sphere are based on mutual cooperation, following the agreement signed on 17 June 1988.