Canadian blueberries celebrate market access to the Philippines
Following a trade mission to the Philippines in 2025, fresh Canadian blueberries from British Columbia are now authorized for export into the Philippines.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the approval on July 28, explaining that the market access protocol is the direct result of bilateral work between the countries.
"The growing demand for Canadian products both at home and abroad stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our farmers and food producers,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food of Canada. “Our government is committed to supporting all producers and exporters as they pursue new markets while continuing to succeed at home."
To export fresh Canadian blueberries to the Asian country, growers and packing facilities must be registered with the CFIA and have a Phytosanitary Certificate, the authority explained. This includes meeting the destination’s plant health requirements and having the fruit inspected by the CFIA, which will confirm it’s free from soil and pests.
"New market access to the Philippines is a significant win for British Columbia's blueberry growers,” said Sudeshna Nambiar, Executive Director, British Columbia Blueberry Council. “It opens the door to one of Asia's fastest-growing consumer markets and reflects the strength of Canada's food safety and plant health systems.”
Next steps for Canadian blueberries
A pilot program for the export of Canadian blueberries into the Philippines will start during the current 2026 season, while the industry projects the protocol's full implementation for 2027. By that time, all Canadian blueberry producers and packing houses in the BC area will be eligible to register with the local phytosanitary authority.
“Securing and expanding access to international markets to allow for greater market diversification is a priority for the Government of Canada,” the CFIA said in its statement.
Image courtesy of the BC Blueberry Council | Archive
The official announcement comes at a key moment for the Canadian blueberry industry in British Columbia, which is currently undergoing a less-than-typical year impacted by weather disruptions and low pollination.
Current projections for the 2026 season are uncertain, but the sector estimates the Canadian region will produce anywhere between 130 million and 150 million pounds, which in the best-case scenario is 15 percent below the 176 million pounds produced by local growers in 2025.
*All images are referential via Shutterstock unless stated otherwise.
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