Grapes can be grown in the Philippines.

This has been proven in Arevalo, Iloilo, La Union and Cebu

(where they have been growing grapes since 1950). There are many varieties that we can grow
here. Grapes like loose, deep soil with a ph lower than 5, so the application of lime helps. It is also
good to put decomposed leaves around the plant to conserve the soil moisture. Grapes like terrain
that is somewhat sloping so as not to lodge water and hurt the roots.

Grapes need plenty of sunshine (not shade) and good circulation of air to avoid the onset of disease.
Within ten (10) to 12 months after planting, grapes are ready for harvest. Harvest is done three times
a year September, December, and Summer. In the first year, a hectare of land planted to grapes
can yield about 1,700 kilos per tree. In the third and fourth years 10,000 kilos per tree can be
harvested. Grape is most productive from its third to eighth year.

Table grapes is suited to a local climate and has unlimited market. However, one should b financially
prepared for its late pay-off period which is three years after initial planting. After five years, a farmer
can earn a total of P221,000 per hectare.

Aside form the fresh fruit itself, grapes have various by- product such as raisins, grape wine, grape
juice, jams and jellies. during the 1960s and 70s, the country average import of these goods was
worth $802,900 every year. In 1985, the value of imports soared to $1.7 million or P34 million at the
exchange rate of P20.40 to a dollar. This does not include fresh grapes brought in by air travelers.

Fresh grapes now sell for P50 to P60 per kilo for those locally produced, and P60 to P120 a kilo for
imported ones.

Large grape plantation can be found in Cebu, Ilocos Region, South Cotabato, Zamboanga, and
other regions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Adaptation. Grapes grow best in areas with warm and dry climate and where sufficient irrigation is
available. Places frequently by typhoon and continuous rain are least suitable. Suitable regions for
grape production are western parts of Luzon, Palawan, Mindoro, Panay and Negros Occidental.
Growing conditions, however, vary depending on the variety.
Most commercial vineyards are below 1,000 feet in elevation, some almost at sea level. Select a site
that is flat or gently rolling so that soil erosion is minimal.

Grapes is adapted to deep, friable, well-drained and fertile loam soil, and grow poorly in the sandy
and heavy soil. For high- quality fruits, select areas with soil acidity of 5.5 to 6.5 (slight to medium
acid). The choosing planting should have full exposure to sunlight and fresh air. With appropriate
condition, one can plant three to four crops a year.

Variety. The Vitis Vinifera variety account for more than 90 percent of the worlds total grape
production. It is also known as European or Californian grapes and is acceptable to light soil.
American grapes varieties such as Vitis Labrusca or Concord requires high soil fertility, adequate
water supply and shallow soil. These adapt well to clay and heavy soil.

Varieties used as table grapes and premium quality dry table wines can grow in less fertile soil, while
those grown for raisins and common wines need deep fertile soil. Varieties proven to be adapt to
local condition are the White Malaga, Ribier, Cardinal and IAC 971-1 or the Brazilian hybrid.

TABLE GRAPE VARIETIES

Variety Maturity period Color Shape:

o White medium late green/yel- ellipsoid low-green

o Ribier medium late black round
o Cardinal early cherry red round
o Brazilian medium late green/yel- round hydrid low green
o These are seedy varieties but are excellent in flavor.
Planting
Grapes are propagated mainly through cuttings. Carefully inspect plant materials be sure they are
free from virus-caused diseases. Select cuttings from mother vines that produced large quantities of
high quality barriers. Avoid cutting from newly vines and choose cutting the size of an ordinary lead
pencil with three or four well-develop buds.

Plant them in well-drained medium such as fine or coarse river sand and hollow them to grow roots.
After a month, transfer to pots or to plastic bags.

In the absence of the mother vines, young rooted ones can be bought in plant nurseries. Estimate
the number of vines needed for plantation by using the following formula:

A = Number of vines
d*d

Where:
A= area in square meters of plantation
d= Distance between plants in meters (2.5 * 3.5)

For small backyard gardens, simply dig out individuals holes for each vine, about one cubic meter,
then fill it up with top soil mixed with animal manure.

For large-scale production, prepare land of the flowing and harrowing 2 to 3 times. Dig holes for
each vines arranged in lines or distances of 3.5 meters between rows and 2.5 meters within rows.
Mix 2 kg of 16-20-0 (nitrogen phosphorus) and 500 g of 0-00-60 (potassium) with one cubic meter
of soil to fill up each hole. Chicken manure can be also be used.

Remove the rooted vines from the potting containers making sure that the soil holding the vines are
intact. Gently set the plant into each hole and cover with the fertilizer-soil mixture. Water them after
planting and regularly thereafter. Fifty grams of 45-0-0 (nitrogen) can be dissolved in 2.3 liters of
water and used to water the newly planted vines.

Vineyard Management
Provide the plants with trellises or any type of plant support such as the overhead arbor or balag.
They should be shoulder-high from the ground and wide enough to allow the grower to prune, spray
or harvest efficiently. Five strands of wire one foot apart should be strong across a main horizontal
bar made from the basal section of bamboo. Construct them in such a way that they will be able to
stand wind pressure and the weight of the vines and its fruits. Growing branches should have
sufficient space in which to expand.

Trained the vines to grow straight up the trellis by trying them loosely to stakes or guide posts.
Remove all site shoots or regularly until the main vine has reached the top of the trellis. In case the
unwanted shoots have grown and toughened considerably, remove them with a sharp knife or
pruning shears.
When the main vine has reached the top of the trellis, pinch off its growing tip. Allow two to four
lateral (side) branches to grow while cutting off other side shoots. The lateral branches should be the
topmost ones, trained or guided to grow and extend opposite one another. Tie these loosely to the
trellis wires and never allow them to overlap with adjacent vines. Cut off the growing tips of these
lateral branches when they grow to 1 1/2 cm to encourage the growth of sub-lateral shoots. Do this
regularly until the sufficient number of fruiting canes have grown from the lateral branches .

Pruning, which involves cutting under-wanted section of branch including leaves, should be done to
encourage flowering and fruiting. Determine the normal position, location and size the flower buds of
the variety being used to estimate the appropriate spots for pruning. Do this when the vine has
grown a full year and the canes (fruiting twigs) are brownish in color. Canes should have distinct
normal buds and mature leaves. Prune only mature and slow-growing branches and using a sharp
pruning shear about an inch above a bud.

For best results, fertilizer and irrigate the vines regularly two weeks before pruning. Pruning should
be timed such that fruiting will not occur during the rainy season which could result in damaged
fruits.

The kind of pruning done depends on the location of the fruit buds. Varieties with fruit buds near the
base and those with thin canes are pruned after its fourth bud, while those with large-size canes and
with fruit buds after the fifth node (bud) are pruned beyond its fifth bud.

New buds will sprout about two weeks after pruning. Table grape varieties grow flower cluster
between the third and the seventh node of the new shoot. If flower cluster fails to appear beyond the
seventh node, the shoots is unproductive.

The Thompson Seedless, White Malaga and Concord varieties responds well to cane pruning , while
the Cardinal, Ribier, Flame Tokay and the British Hybrid respond well to spur-pruning.

When the fruits have emerged, remove flower or fruit clusters that hinder the growth of the large
fruits. This is done on flower cluster before they have bloomed.

For additional revenue, one can intercrop grapes with crops that mature early, do not deplete soil
nutrients, and can not be inflected with disease harmful to the vines. Mungbean is an excellent
intercrop if planted beneath the trellis.

Hormones or growth regulators may be used to increase fruit size and growth. For table grape
varieties, gibberellic acid can be applied on flowers before blooming. This, however, must be used
with caution.

source: elgu2.ncc.gov.ph, region10.dost.gov.ph

A grape is the non-climacteric fruit, botanically a true berry, that grows on the
perennial and deciduous woody vines of the genus Vitis. Grapes can be eaten
raw or used for making jam, juice, jelly, vinegar, drugs, wine, grape seed
extracts, raisins, and grape seed oil. Grapes are also used in some kinds of
confectionery.
Grapes are small round or oval berries that feature a semi-translucent flesh
encased by a smooth skin. Some contain edible seeds, while others are
seedless. Like blueberries, grapes are covered by a protective, whitish bloom.
Grapes that are eaten from the vine are called table grapes, as opposed to wine
grapes (used in viniculture) or raisin grapes (used to make dried fruit). Color,
size, taste and physical characteristics differ amongst the varieties. Grapes come
in a variety of colors including green, amber, red, blue-black, and purple. In
general, whole grapes have a slightly crunchy texture and a dry, sweet and tart
taste.

Grapes are excellent sources of manganese and good sources of vitamin B6,
thiamin (vitamin B1), potassium, and vitamin C. In addition, grapes contain
flavonoids: phytochemicals that are antioxidant compounds.

Today, Grapes can be grown in the Philippines. This has been proven in Arevalo,
Iloilo, La Union and Cebu (where they have been growing grapes since 1950).
There are many varieties that we can grow here. Grapes like loose, deep
soil with a ph lower than 5, so the application of lime helps. It is also good to put
decomposed leaves around the plant to conserve the soil moisture. Grapes like
terrain that is somewhat sloping so as not to lodge water and hurt the roots.

Grapes need plenty of sunshine (not shade) and good circulation of air to avoid
the onset of disease. Within ten (10) to 12 months after planting, grapes are
ready for harvest. Harvest is done three times a year September, December,
and Summer. In the first year, a hectare of land planted to grapes can yield about
1,700 kilos per hectare. In the third and fourth years 10,000 kilos per hectare can
be harvested. Grape is most productive from its third to eighth year.

Table grapes is suited to a local climate and has unlimited market. However, one
should be financially prepared for its late pay-off period which is three years after
initial planting. After five years, a farmer can earn a total of P221,000 per
hectare.

Aside form the flesh fruit itself, grapes have various by- product such as raisins,
grape wine, grape juice, jams and jellies. during the 1960s and 70s, the country
average import of these goods was worth $802,900 every year. In 1985, the
value of imports soared to $1.7 million or P34 million at the exchange rate of
P20.40 to a dollar. This does not include flesh grapes brought in by air travelers.

Flesh grapes now sell for P50 to P60 per kilo for those locally produced, and P60
to P120 a kilo for imported ones.
Large grape plantation can be found in Cebu, Ilocos Region, South Cotabato,
Zamboanga, and other regions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Adaptation

Grapes grow best in areas with warm and dry climate and where sufficient
irrigation is available. Places frequently by typhoon and continuous rain are least
suitable. Suitable regions for grape production are western parts of Luzon,
Palawan, Mindoro, Panay and Negros Occidental. Growing conditions, however,
vary depending on the variety.

Most commercial vineyards are below 1,000 feet in elevation, some almost at
sea level. Select a site that is flat or gently rolling so that soil erosion is minimal.

Grapes is adapted to deep, friable, well-drained and fertile loam soil, and grow
poorly in the sandy and heavy soil. For high- quality fruits, select areas with soil
acidity of 5.5 to 6.5 (slight to medium acid). The choosing planting should have
full exposure to sunlight and fresh air. With appropriate condition, one can plant
three to four crops a year.

Variety

The Vitis Vinifera variety account for more than 90 percent of the worlds total
grape production. It is also known as European or Californian grapes and is
acceptable to light soil.

American grapes varieties such as Vitis Labrusca or Concord requires high soil
fertility, adequate water supply and shallow soil. These adapt well to clay and
heavy soil.

Varieties used as table grapes and premium quality dry table wines can grow in
less fertile soil, while those grown for raisins and common wines need deep
fertile soil. Varieties proven to be adapt to local condition are the White Malaga,
Ribier, Cardinal and IAC 971-1 or the Brazilian hybrid.

TABLE GRAPE VARIETIES

Variety Maturity period Color Shape:

White medium late green/yel- ellipsoid low-green

Ribier medium late black round
Cardinal early cherry red round
 Brazilian medium late green/yel- round hydrid low green
These are seedy varieties but are excellent in flavor.

MANILA, Philippines While most Filipinos think that it is impossible to grow

grapes in the Philippines because of its warm weather, an expert in viticulture
stressed that the country is a better place for the fruit than the United States
and Europe -- two places where most of the worlds wines are produced.
Unknown to many, the Philippines has been home to several vineyards, said
Avelino Lomboy, who has been growing grapes in the country for more than
four decades.
He said some of these are located in La Union, Cebu, Cotabato, Iloilo,
Masbate and Nueva Ecija.
In the Philippines, we have the best climate for grapes, which is 25 to 34
degrees Centigrade, Lomboy explained. And the temperatures the whole
year round stay that way until winter. In Europe, you only grow [grapes] once
a year. Here, you can grow [grapes] the whole year.
Grapes grow based on summer, so we have the whole year. Heat is not a
problem, he added, referring to the misconception that grapes need cold
weather to grow.
Asked if Baguio is a suitable environment for grapes, Lomboy said: No,
because its gloomy. The grapes need sunlight. Yung grapes sa Baguio are
coming from La Union. Probably coming from me.
Lomboy has been tapped to help put up the first vineyard in Tagaytay, a
picturesque city that is about two hours away from Manila. The 10-hectare
vineyard will be part of Twin Lakes, a real estate project of Global Estate
Resorts Inc. The company is a subsidiary of the Andrew Tan-led Alliance
Global Inc. which also operates Megaworld, among others.
For the vineyard, Lomboy will be working with local brandy maker Emperador
and Spanish brandy house San Bruno, which are both owned by Alliance
Global.

First fine wines in PH?

With the project, the Andrew Tan-owned company is expected to produce the
countrys first fine wines, said Geronimo, who cited the expertise of Lomboy
and their Spanish partners.
So its the best of both worlds, Europe and the Philippines. The Philippines
with Mr. Lomboys expertise for more than four decades in growing grapes,
plus the expertise of those growing grapes in Spain. Bring them together to
produce the finest wines in the Philippines, the first finest Philippine wines, he
said.
The products of the planned vineyard mostly wine and brandy will be sold
by Emperador.
But they are not going to do all the work: Alliance Global is also considering to
sell lands to those who might want to plant their own grapes.

BSTRACT

This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the current status of the fruit
industry in the Philippines. It describes the major fruit species grown in the country and
gives information about their production, hectarage, yield export and import as well as the
obstacles faced by industry players and the various potentials to further uplift the industry
in the area of research and development as well as domestic and international trade.

Keywords: Philippine fruit industry, fruit imports and exports, GAPs, fruit statistics

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is an archipelago with a geographical position of 13o north and 122o east. It
has a rich diversity of tropical fruit wherein more than 20 different species are cultivated in
the entire archipelago. Production system ranges from backyard to highly integrated
operation with the latter catering to the export market. The farms are generally small in size
(1-5 ha) with minimal care resulting to low yield.

The major fruit species grown in the country are: a) banana (Musa sp.); b) pineapple
(Ananas comosus); c) mango (Mangifera indica); d) papaya (Carica papaya); e) calamondin
(Microfortunella microcarpa); f) durian (Durio zibethinus); g) jackfruit (Artocarpus
heterophyllus); and h) lanzones (Lansium domesticum).

Banana, pineapple and mango are the major fruit export commodities of the country both in
fresh and processed forms.

Source of information
The information used in this paper was generally obtained from the Philippines Bureau of
Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Agricultural Research
(DA-BAR) and Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Aquatic and Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCARRD). The data covered the
period from 2008-2013.

Total production, hectarage, yield, export and import

Production and hectarage. Fig. 1 shows the total production and area planted to various
fruit species in the country. In 2013, the total production reached 12,750,850 MT with a
total area of 856,553 hectares. An increasing trend in total production and area had been
experienced from 2008-2012. However, by 2013 both had dramatically been reduced due to
destruction brought about by the strong typhoon that hit the country particularly the major
producing areas in Mindanao. Overall, the average annual growth rate was 0.26% and
16%, respectively for production and area for the six-year time period.

Yield. The average yield per hectare ranged from 14.8MT to 15.21MT from 2008-2013 with
an average annual growth rate of 0.57%. A similar trend was observed with that of
production and area wherein slight increases in the average yield were experienced from
2008-2012 (14.83 to 15.10 MT/ha) and decreased to 14.89 MT/ha by 2013 (Fig. 2).

Export. Fruit are one of the major exports of the country. In 2013, the volume of exported
fresh fruit reached 3,310,910MT from 2,510,864MT in 2008 with an average annual growth
rate of 7.98%. From 2008 to 2010, volume of export had declined by 29%. After which,
this had been increasing through 2011 till 2013 by 85.7%. This was brought about by the
improvement of the economic status of the importing countries (Fig. 3).

The major export commodities are banana, pineapple, mango and papaya. Fig. 4 shows the
volume of the export in each commodity wherein banana accounted for 86.9% of the total
volume and pineapple, 12.5%, mango, 0.15%, papaya. 0.15% and others, 0.30%.

Import. Fig. 5 shows the total import of fruit by the Philippines from 2008 till 2013. The
highest volume of imports occurred in 2012 reaching 240,477MT while the lowest was in
2008 to 187,265MT. The average annual growth rate was 3.68% during this time
period. This was lower by 46.1% than the annual growth rate of fruit export in the same
time period. Hence, there is a positive balance of trade for this commodity in the country.

The total import volume in 2013 was 214,800MT. Apples (27%), mandarins (18%),
oranges (8%) and grapes (6%) were the major commodities (Fig. 6).

NATIONAL FRUIT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

The research and development efforts on agricultural crops are primarily orchestrated by
two agencies, namely the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Science and
Technology (DOST). Under the DA, there are three agencies namely; a) Bureau of
Agricultural Research (DA-BAR); b) High Value Commercial Crops Development Program
(DA-HVCDP); and c) DA-Biotechnology Program. For the DOST, there are two agencies
which are responsible for R&D on agri. crops: a) Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic
and Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and Philippine Council for Advanced
Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD). These agencies are
responsible for the coordination of all research and development efforts on
fruit. Furthermore, they also set the necessary priority areas/discipline for each fruit
species and provide the necessary funding support to researchers in the country on a
competitive level.

The major thrust/discipline involves: a) increasing production efficiency; b) development of

new varieties, DNA fingerprinting, and genetic resources collection, characterization and
conservation; c) improvement of cultural management practices e.g. fertilization, pest
management, pruning, etc; d) planting materials production and certification; e)
improvement of postharvest handling, processing and product standard; f) good agricultural
practices and product traceability/safety; g) technology commercialization and adoption;
and h) market development and promotion for export. In addition, the research and
development program in fruit is commodity-based depending on the economic importance
of the fruit species and the necessary research and development intervention for the
advancement of a particular commodity. For DOST-PCAARRD, the identified crops are
banana, mango, jackfruit, papaya and durian under their industry strategic science and
technology plan (ISP) priority areas while for DA-BAR and DA-Biotechnology Program,
similar fruit species are given priority as well as citrus (pummelo and calamondin).

There are many agencies/organizations that conduct various research and development
efforts in the country. These are: a) DA-attached agencies such as the Bureau of Plant
Industry with its centers (Mango National Research and Development Center, Baguio
National Crop Research and Development Center (citrus) and Davao National Crop Research
and Development Center (banana, durian, pomelo, mangosteen, etc); the Bureau of
Agriculture and Fishery Product Standard (BAFPS) and the DA-Regional Integrated
Agricultural Research Centers which are situated in every region of the country; b)
Industrial Technology Development Institute, a DOST-attached agency; c) state colleges
and universities e.g. University of the Philippines, Los Ba?os (UPLB), University of the
Philippines, Visayas (UPV), University of the Philippines, Mindanao (UPM), Central Luzon
University (CLSU), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Isabela State
University (ISU); Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), Ramon Magsaysay Technological
University (RMTU), Pangasinan State University (PSU), Visayas State University (VSU),
University of Southern Mindanao (USM), University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP),
Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Quirino State College (QSC), Pampanga
Agricultural College (PAC) and Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA); and c) private research
organizations particularly those that are engaged in the production, processing and
marketing of fruit both for domestic and international markets. At present, there is an on-
going collaborative research and development project with Biodiversity International for
Fusarium wilt in banana particularly on race 4.

Aside from a teaching institution, UPLB is the major research and development institution
for agricultural crops including fruit. This is primarily through the College of Agriculture with
its different clusters namely Crop Science Cluster, Crop Protection Cluster, Agricultural
Systems Cluster and Food Science Cluster. Within the Crop Science Cluster, it includes the
Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), the Postharvest Horticulture Training and Research Center
(PHTRC) and the National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory (NPGRL). In addition, The
National Institutes of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) is also conducting
research and development efforts on biofertilizers and value-adding on waste from
processing of fruit.

CONCLUSION

The fruit industry of the Philippines contributes considerably to the economy of the
country. The leading eight species grown in the country are banana, pineapple, mango,
papaya, calamondin, durian, jackfruit and lanzones based on volume of production. These
are available all-year round in the market. Banana, pineapple and mango are the major
export commodities of the country.
With the opening of the ASEAN Common Market in 2015, the industry faces a big
challenge to provide a safe product at competitive prices. This can only be achieved
through the integration of the production and marketing for each fruit
species. Furthermore, productivity and/or areas of production should be increased in order
to attain the economy of scale to expand and/or open new markets abroad. Moreover,
there is need to enhance the extension services provided by the different government
agencies in order to efficiently transfer new technologies to growers to enhance their
production and marketing efficiency. Nowadays product standard and safety are major
concerns in both domestic and export markets such that application of Good Agricultural
Practices (GAPs) should be strongly pursued by the growers as well as its subsequent
product certification.
Research and development activities in fruit are generally fragmented and lack
continuity. Most often, it is reactionary response to a problem of a particular
commodity. This is brought about by the limited funds invested by government on these
efforts in the country. Hence, there is a need for the government to increase its investment
to a level of 1-2% of the total contribution of the industry to the economy of the
country. This will ensure the proper support to develop the necessary manpower
complement needed as well as provide continuity on the research and development
programs for each commodity.

WiNERIES
The Philippines is not known as a wine-producing country and you will most likely not hear the
country's name roll off the tongue of a sommelier -- however, the area's distinctive climate and
culture contributes to continued local wine production. A trip to one of the local wineries will be an
experience completely different than visiting wineries in France, Italy or Napa Valley.

Climate & Geography

The Philippines has a standard tropical maritime climate that includes high temperatures, high
humidity and copious amounts of rainfall. These conditions promote abundant growth of flora,
making the Philippines one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with more than 9,000 plant species
identified -- but wine grapes do not grow. The tropical climate promotes the growth of mold and
mildew and grapevines typically thrive in temperate climates. Wineries in the Philippines do not
include the grape vineyards that are typically found in other wine-producing countries.
Types of Wineries
Philippine wineries produce several types of wine that use plants commonly grown in the Philippines.
Many wineries are sole-proprietorships and small family or village-run operations whose products
are sold at local markets and restaurants. The country is home to a few larger wineries and wine
production companies that mass produce their products and export them to other countries.

Davao City eyed as fruit wine capital of the Philippines

November 12, 2009 by Dominic Rivard

A group of healthy and sustainable lifestyle advocates in Davao City is now very active in its
promotion towards making the city the fruit wine capital of the the Philippines.

The group, called the Consumer Action for Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle (CASH-L) Network
Incorporated, has been actively involved in the campaign for healthy living.

The CASH-L was conceptualized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 and was
launched last year. It is a conglomeration of organizations and individuals who support
sustainable consumption of safe and healthy products.

CASH-L chair Cesar R. Ledesma said that as consumer advocates, it is their duty as well to offer
better product options to consumers. He added that while commercial wine is often regarded
as something which can give ill effects to health, the fruit wine is healthy since it is organic.
Thus, only natural ingredients are used.

As compared to commercial wine which may contain synthetic alcohol, organic fruit wine is
good alcohol. Organic fruit wine also carries the medicinal properties and nutrients of fruits
because it only undergoes natural fermentation process and all ingredients are natural as well,
he said.

Ledesma said that Davao City can really bid to be the Fruit Wine Capital of the Philippines due
to two major factors the city has one of the best-tasting potable water and various fruits
(mango, guyabano, among others) are grown abundantly here.

Relative to the fermentation process that will be used in producing organic fruit wine, Ledesma
said that he is willing to share his knowledge.
Im already producing myself. I can actually help everyone who is interested to go into this
kind of business. Anyone may request me to do an actual demonstration of the process, he
said.
DTI-Davao City Field Office director Teolulo T. Pasawa said that this is another opportunity
which the Davaoeos can tap.

Furthermore, this will also help in boosting the development of our fruit industry. We, at DTI,
are also extending a helping hand for this dream to be realized, he said.

It always amazes me how erratic, variable and unstable the prices of some groceries are at
supermarkets and stores within walking distance of each other in Metro-Manila. I realize in a
free market, there are absolutely no price controls; however, in a competitive market,
prices should naturally reach a justifiable/equilibrium level where supply and demand
intersect. In the latter example, intelligent, rational and informed consumers are the
police of the system. And only if the buying public acts on price distortions will retailers be
more careful about how they price their goods, and in some cases, practically fool the
consuming public. Take red seedless crimson grapes, for example. Not exactly a day to day
commodity, but something that many readers might at one time or another have purchased
or consumed. I suspect it is just about after the peak of the table grape harvest in
California, and a bijillion kilos of grapes are making their way to markets all over Asia,
including the Philippines. I have taken to making grape shakes at home once a day or so.
They are a part of my self-designed diet, and with 15-20 grapes per shake they make a
refreshing, naturally sweet drink that costs less than a can of Diet Coke

Surprisingly, grape prices in Manila are wildly variable, and if you dont constantly frequent
several groceries in Manila, you might not have noticed it. So here is my little post on
grape arbitrage and I do wish there was a blog out there that only posted comparative
prices of various groceries from stores around Manila. Last weekend, at the FTI Taguig
market, one of my fruit sukis offered me red seedless Crimson grapes at PHP180 a kilo.
After a bit of posturing, they brought the price down to PHP170, but I didnt bite. Why? I
had just seen the grapes on a special offer at SM grocery Makati at PHP118, a real steal,
considering the same grapes in a California grocery are currently priced at $0.99 a pound or
roughly PHP93 a kilo. That means that even with freight imputed, the grapes were well-
priced. Imagine if ripe Cebu mangoes (currently roughly PHP90 a kilo in Manila, were
exported to California? I sincerely doubt they would be at a Vans or Krogers for say PHP130
a kilo! Then today, I went back to SM and the prices had gone up, and the special was over,
but the grapes were still a reasonable PHP154 a kilo. A little later, I happened to go to
Rustans at Rockwell to pick up a beef mechado, with the lard inserted into the middle, and
I spied aggressive signage around the crimson red seedless grapes and it very proudly
screamed : Buy One Take One, PHP399.95 per kilo! In case you dont have a calculator,
that is PHP 199.97 a kilo, or 30% higher than SM, AND you have to buy 2 kilos to boot! And
really now, are their grapes normally PHP399.95 per kilo, or did they just double the price
for the promo. Egads, there should be laws against that type of pricing/promotion

Frankly, I find it incredibly annoying.

Rustans : PHP199.97 a kilo (but you have to buy two kilos)
Market Suki : PHP170 a kilo
SM Grocery : PHP 154 a kilo

And dont get me started on the fruit retailer at the basement of Rockwell, or the ones at
Salcedo market, either of which might be charging up to PHP240+ per kilo for exactly the
same grapes that probably were flown or shipped over in the exact same container. So
buyers beware. Know your prices or get royally shafted. :(

Note: October 26 and I just checked prices again:

Rustans Rockwell PHP279.95 a kilo

Basement Fruit Vendor, Rockwell, PHP250.00

So there can be as much as an 80%! difference in price within just minutes of each store,
all in upscale, mall settings. Outrageous!

Count this as Marketmans Consumer Repor