YES, Australian oranges are now in season, and they’re available in Manila.
The Australian Embassy, led by Ambassador Bill Tweddell, and Citrus Australia formally launched Australian oranges via a cocktail reception held at the Ambassador’s residence in Makati last Thursday, July 31, 2014. With Ambassador Bill Tweddell was Austrade senior trade commissioner Anthony Weymouth, and representing Citrus Australia were its general manager of market development Andrew Harty and market access manager David Daniels. Officials of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) were also around the witness the grand kick-off of the Australian orange season and its availability of Australian oranges in the Philippines.
“We are happy to collaborate with Citrus Australia in introducing the world’s sweetest oranges to the Philippines. This is also the best time to do so, during the Australian winter, when Australian oranges are in season,” says Ambassador Tweddell.
He adds: “Australian oranges have long enjoyed a reputation for being the sweetest in the world and, very importantly, Australian farms are known for being pollution-free since they follow high standards of food safety. We are proud of our Australian oranges, which are ‘Sweet, Safe and Healthy’.”
“Citrus is very healthy for you. Australian oranges are full of dietary fiber to keep the digestive system healthy, antioxidants to protect against heart disease and keep the immune system strong. We need to get that message across, especially to young people. We need to get back to a healthy diet. We have to teach our children to make good dietary choices,” says Citrus Australia’s Andrew Harty.
Australian oranges have actually been available in the Philippines even before the grand launch, but only a limited supply of a little over 600 tons of oranges have been brought in last year. Citrus Australia’s target is to be able to increase that amount to as much as 10,000 tons per year.
“The ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) enables most temperate fruits from Australia, such as oranges, to enter the Philippines tariff-free (0% tax) so Filipinos can enjy affordable, fresh products without compromising food safety,” explains Austrade’s Anthony Weymouth.
First to admit that Australian oranges are a little on the premium side, with each orange costing Php30 to Php50 per piece on retail, the Australian Embassy, Austrade and Citrus Australia are nonetheless confident with the quality and taste of Australian oranges.
To demonstrate this, freshly squeezed Australian orange juice was served during the grand launch. Wedges of Australian navel oranges and segments of Australian Mandarin oranges were likewise offered on a platter, and the cocktail buffet had a number of dishes that made use of Australian orange as an ingredient. These include Chicken Breast Salad with Australian Orange and Strawberry Vinaigrette, Australian Vegetables with Cheese Fruit Risotto and Native Orange Jus, Mini Baked Potatoes with Bacon, Spring Onion and Australian Orange Pepper, and Lemon Myrtle Encrusted Salmon Fillet with Bush Tomato Sauce.
Australian Oranges – Now in Season includes a month-long retail promotion by Citrus Australia and the Australian Embassy, covering key groceries and supermarkets in Metro Manila and running from August to September in major supermarkets. Sampling activities will take place every weekend in Metro Manila branches of Robinsons Supermarket, Rustan’s Fresh, Rustan’s Supermarket and Shopwise.
