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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Most delicious' in the world: New Zealand envoy goes crazy for PH mangoes

'Most delicious' in the world: New Zealand envoy goes crazy for PH mangoes

Published Feb 6, 2025 01:33 am

There is truly nothing like Philippine mangoes as evident from how New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh gushed about them during a recent reception hosted by the New Zealand Embassy in Manila.

 

McIntosh_PH mangoes.jpg
New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh (Photo from New Zealand Embassy)

 

During his speech for the New Zealand Partners’ Night on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the ambassador shared about the trade relationship of the Philippines and New Zealand and how exporting mangoes might play a central role in it.
 

“And New Zealand is also supporting trade in the other direction. Sa palagay ko pinakamasarap ang manga dito sa buong mundo (I think mangoes here are the most delicious in the world). So I was delighted to visit Mindanao recently and witness New Zealand’s project to ready high-quality mangoes for export,” she said.
 

On the other hand, the envoy noted how New Zealand wines are finding a market in the Philippines, and even recommended her top choice for a pairing with a mango salad and grilled shrimps.
 

“Well, New Zealand wine is some of the best in the world, and so I'm so delighted to see lots of New Zealand wines on the shelves here in Manila, but we'd love to sell more,” she said in a media interview at the event.
 

“And I do recommend a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that will be paired really beautifully with a mango salad and some grilled shrimp,” McIntosh added.
 

The ambassador also revealed that the two countries’ two-way trade did not only return to pre-pandemic levels, but surpassed it as well.
 

“We're excited about that, and also the fact that we hope to launch this year a Joint Economic Forum to look at other ways to increase trade and investment flows,” she added.
 

In her speech, the ambassador underscored the growth in the countries’ partnership, owing to the visits last year by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
 

The visits, she said, were proof of the strong friendship between the two countries and the promise of the road ahead.
 

“We are now moving towards a Comprehensive Partnership. This ambitious step reflects the trust and opportunities that define our ties. It reflects the priority New Zealand is placing on the Philippines,” she added.

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