Japanese strawberries now available in Phl

Fresh strawberries from Japan are now officially available in the Philippines following the lifting of a long-standing import restriction in December 2024, the Embassy of Japan announced Tuesday.

The development comes after successful negotiations between Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Philippine quarantine authorities, allowing the entry of world-renowned Japanese strawberries and strawberry products into the country.

The strawberries are currently available at Mitsukoshi Mall in Bonifacio Global City.

The import ban, previously in place due to pest concerns, was lifted on 15 December 2024, after both sides held extensive technical discussions.

The talks were initiated in response to requests from Japanese strawberry production areas.

In a bid to promote the fruit, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya participated in a promotional campaign led by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Manila.

A series of videos showcasing the appeal of Japanese strawberries — praised for their sweetness, succulence and high agricultural standards — have since been released on JETRO Manila’s Facebook page and official channels.

JETRO Manila described Japanese strawberries as “a masterpiece of craftsmanship and nature,” highlighting their nutritional benefits and premium quality.

The Embassy of Japan also shared the milestone on its official Facebook and X pages, inviting Filipinos to experience what it called a “berry-delicious” addition to the local market.