Shipping from the Philippines: What you need to know about food products for exports

Despite pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions, the Philippines continued to experience recovery growth in exports, facilitated by the sale of coconut oil, which indicated that the food industry plays a significant role in the country’s overall exports.

Regarding the value of local food products overseas, there is unrealized export potential in East Asia and the European Union (EU). This article will explore more about these food products for export, how you can export them and why choosing DHL Express as your reliable logistics carrier will go a long way in ensuring smooth deliveries.

The Philippines food products export industry

In the Philippines, the food service sector generated revenues amounting to US$8.55 billion in 2020, as revealed by Statista. The International Trade Center also reported that exports of agriculture, food, and beverages can bring in revenue of about US$10 billion. While East Asia is the country’s largest export market, the EU offers untapped potential. By addressing the frictions that hinder movement of food to the region, exporters in the Philippines can enjoy significant increases in revenue streams on top of those that are drawn from East Asian counterparts.

Some of the popular food products for exports from the Philippines include mangoes, bananas, pineapple, tuna, cocoa, coconut and the aforementioned coconut oil. The country alone, revealed by the Philippine Coconut Authority, accounts for 60% and 73% of coconut oil and crude coconut oil imports in the United States.

How can I export my product from the Philippines?

Local businesses looking to jumpstart or expand their export business in the global food industry can consider the following tips:

1. Popular markets to ship Filipino food products to

While the EU and East Asia are popular and lucrative markets to export edible products to, food companies should also consider ASEAN and North America. More specifically, paying attention to meso- and micro-level potential can do wonders for your export strategy since different markets have differing demands:

Europe: With more Europeans moving towards healthier lifestyles and decreasing their synthetic sugar consumption, fruit-based processed products from the Philippines have greater export potential. Dried fruits like mangoes, frozen fruits, as well as fruit purees, including marmalade and jams, are products that will rise in demand within Europe. Alluding to healthier eating, pili nuts, which offer incredible nutritional value, will also be sought after.
India: While ranked the 14th Filipino trading partner, India holds great potential for local processed food and beverages. These include breakfast cereals, bakery products, pasta, infant food and foreign liquor.
Japan: Bananas, mangoes, pineapple and papaya are popular Filipino fruit exports in Japan.
United States: Coconut oil and crude coconut oil from the Philippines remain one of the biggest staples in the United States.

2. Prohibited food products for export

According to the Bureau of Customs in the Philippines, any product that is adulterated or misbranded for human consumption is prohibited for export.

3. Documents to acquire before shipping

As with any export consignment, you will also need to provide documentation to facilitate customs clearance. Some of these include the packing list, invoice, Bill of Lading, export license, customs export declaration, and Certificate of Origin.

4. Shipping Filipino food products overseas

Food export companies can ship products abroad by partnering with a dependable international shipping carrier like DHL Express. With a global network spanning 220 countries and territories, we have been providing shipping services in the Philippines for more than 50 years, assisting Filipino exporters in gaining access to the international market and ensuring prompt deliveries.

Successful international Filipino food brands such as Titay's Lilo-An Rosquillos & Delicacies, Inc., Lorna's Gourmet, and Rosarios Delicacies have been able to tap global markets through our assistance. We continue to advise them regarding customs laws and taxes, and other restrictions of destination countries, alongside proper packaging guidelines. This includes ensuring the right temperatures of products during shipment.

Local businesses can benefit from swift deliveries of their non-perishable goods when they open a business account with us. On top of a suite of digital online shipping tools on MyDHL+, we also offer packaging suggestions and guidance to ensure that food products arrive at their destination in good condition. Connect with us to learn more!