KUCHING: The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS) announced that the first sample batch of 300 Sarawak pineapples arrived in Singapore this week and is on its way to local traders for market testing.
Chief executive officer of STATOS Chew Chang Guan said that Singapore’s demand for fresh food remains robust and this first trial shipment was made possible with cooperation from the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) and Harvest Prime Enterprises collaborating with local producers in Tanjung Manis.
“Direct flights are vitally important for both tourism and trade development between Singapore and Sarawak. Having the new Air Asia direct flight from Sibu to Singapore has enabled same-day delivery direct from suppliers to our Singapore wholesaler,” he said in a press release issued yesterday(Feb 17).
STATOS research identified that Sarawak’s MD2 hybrid pineapples were appropriate for this trial. Sarawak’s MD2 pineapples are praised for their sweet, juicy, fragrant, low-acid and golden flesh.
It further added that the MD2 hybrid low fibre level made it easier to digest than other pineapple varieties. Growers and consumers prefer MD2 pineapples because they last longer and are less likely to be damaged during shipment.
“We are expecting more orders from Singapore now that a potential supply chain has been established. This collaboration is an important first step in supporting more Sarawak producers wishing to enter the export market,” he said.
