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The Philippine entry -- DON
ROBERTO'S MANGO WINE-- in the FINAT
INTERNATIONAL LABEL COMPETITION 2003 won FIRST PRIZE - GOLD AWARD
during the FINAT International Congress in Vienna, Austria last
June 4-7, 2003. Because of this the DON ROBERTO'S MANGO WINE (green-dry
& sweet-yellow) will be exhibited in the INTERNATIONAL LABEL
CONGRESS in Brussels, Belgium on Sept. 24 - 27, 2003 thus the President,
MR. ROBERTO R. CASTAÑEDA, was invited to attend the said
congress to promote the Mango Wine. Mr. Castañeda will be
very proud to visit Brussels, not as the maker of the wine, but
as a FILIPINO representing the PHILIPPINES as the Gold Award winner.
Philippine mango exports are expected to increase with the introduction
of the Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for mangoes. The technology
is now available through the support of the Ministry of Science
and Technology of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Food Research
Institute.
The MAP has been specifically adapted for Philippine mangoes that
have generally thinner skins than those indigenous to other countries.
The technology was earlier identified by the Center for International
Trade Exhibitions and Missions (CITEM) in 1992. Since then, the
Philippine Food Development Center and the KFRI conducted joint
experiments from 1995 to 1998 before the suitable zeolite-coated
film was deemed fit for use.
The development of the technology for Philippine mangoes effectively
addresses the need to delay the ripening of the delectable fruit
and allow for seafreight. Philippine mangoes may thus be shipped
to far-away destinations at more competitive prices.
The mangoes are simply packed in carton boxes lined with MAP film
and stored under prescribed conditions. The thin plastic film restricts
gas exchange, delaying ripening by increasing carbon dioxide and
reducing oxygen. Ripening can be effectively delayed from the original
seven (7) days to twenty-nine (29) days. Extensive tests prove that
MAP technology does not have any significant effect on taste or
the general appearance of the fruit.
The MAP prototype is currently manufactured in the country by United
Polyresin, Inc. and First Colors Inc. and is available to fruit
producers. The MAP technology may also be modified for use on other
fruits (i.e. papaya), vegetables and cutflowers.
On 8 June 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo awarded special
plaques of appreciation to the KFRI, MOST and the Korean scientists,
Dr. Hyung Woo Park and Dr. Dongman Kim for their contribution to
MAP for Philippine Mangoes in simple ceremonies at the Malacañang
Palace.
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