Philippine milkfish doesn't click in European market
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are the ones patronizing the Philippine milkfish though it has already penetrated the European market especially in Germany and Italy.
Anja Gomm, project manager of the GTZ said the Filipinos working in Europe are the buyers of the Philippine bangus and has yet to attract the picky taste bud of the Europeans. The Philippine milkfish are sold in the shelves of Asian markets in Europe.
Gomm, in an interview, said they are trying to help the the people of Western Visayas to access a new market and increased the competitiveness of Philippine milkfish in the international market. The GTZ is helping the government in promoting the concept of chain management among milkfish industry players.
She said they are currently working on the information generation to inform the milkfish industry players and let them understand the European market. They have also discussed some important issues which affects the players from the stock they are going to raise, feeds, process and exporters. They will also conduct a training and capacity building.
Gomm said they are going to assist and give technical help to the milkfish industry players in Western Visayas for more than two years. By the time the project ends, she expects the players are ready to explore the international market.
She said the European market has set a high standard regarding fish exports. The Filipinos have to much to learn about the proper packaging and handling. They have to meet the European Union's strict and quality and safety standards.
At the latest, the Sta. Cruz Foods which brings the milkfish to Netherlands is the only company which has gained access to the European market. The Philippine milkfish were shipped to the Netherlands via General Santos City.