News Details

Japan urges Philippines to open market for Shine Muscat, other grape varieties

NPO

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October 4, 2025

TOKYO – Japanese Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has asked the Philippines to begin importing Japanese grapes, including the premium Shine Muscat variety, during a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in Manila on Thursday.

Koizumi told reporters after the meeting that Laurel gave a positive response to holding technical talks that would pave the way for Japanese grape exports to the Philippine market.

The request followed an earlier appeal by Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, who urged Koizumi to prioritize expanding overseas markets for Japanese luxury grapes rather than focusing solely on establishing a production license system.

Japan’s agriculture ministry has been weighing such a licensing scheme amid concerns that prized grape varieties like Shine Muscat are being cultivated abroad without authorization.

By expanding its export reach, Japan hopes to protect its agricultural brands while tapping into the Philippines’ growing demand for high-value fruits.

—NPO News Team | PNA-PR