Korean firms seek ‘Peking duck’ suppliers from PH

Local duck producers are poised to cash in on the country’s bird flu-free status as several South Korean firms are looking for Philippine-based suppliers of “Peking ducks,” according to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala.

Alcala, who visited South Korea last week, said Monday in a briefing that the Philippines secured a number of trade commitments and agreements with South Korean businesses “that could help boost income and livelihood opportunities in the local agro-fishery industries.”

He said that companies that expressed strong interest in importing Peking duck meat, as well as fishery products from the Philippines, included South Korea Japan Food Corp., TC Foods and Dawon Corp.

“We will link them with local producers now that the Philippines has an advantage for such commodities,” the agriculture chief said.

“For Peking duck, for instance, the country can boast of its avian influenza-free status as a guarantee,” he added.

Alcala said he met with his South Korean counterpart, Agriculture Minister Lee Dong-Phil, to follow through with the successful importation of chicken products through Bulacan-based Bounty Fresh Inc.

Citing data from the Bureau of Animal Industry, Alcala said poultry products shipped to South Korea in January and February through this arrangement were valued at a total of $37,800.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, domestic supply of ducks in 2013 reached 27.51 million birds, which meant a flat growth from the supply in 2012.

In 2013, some 15 million ducks were dressed while about 2 million birds were recorded as deaths or losses.

The domestic duck industry started the year with an inventory of 9.92 million birds, which was 2-percent more than the previous year’s starting stock.