MANILA, Philippines – Australia wants more Filipinos to buy its stone fruits and table grapes, and the government sees convenience stores as a viable market for such a push, the Business Mirror reports. The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association (PAGASA) has expressed interest in assisting the introduction of Australian fresh fruits to a wider audience in the Philippines.

Australian Trade (AusTrade) Commission Minister Counselor and Senior Trade Commissioner Anthony Weymouth indicated that convenience stores would be ideal partners to help expand the reach of Australian stone fruits and table grapes beyond supermarkets in metro Manila. “We are looking to have them available in July in convenience stores,” he said, pointing specifically to Mini Stop and 7-Eleven.

The push is part of Australia’s “Now In Season Australia” initiative, currently in its third year. The program makes fresh fruits available in more than 100 locations of Robinsons Supermarket, Rustan’s Fresh, Rustan’s Marketplace, Rustan’s Supermarket, S&R, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermart and Shopwise in Manila.

AusTrade negotiates with retailers to provide Australian fruits annually. “We discuss with them their retail plans and negotiate the terms,” Weymouth said. “We provide them the timeframe, point-of-sale materials and promotional activities.”

Weymouth said that convenience stores would be a great channel for Australian fresh fruits to reach Filipinos. Australian fresh fruit exports to the Philippines are expected to average between $20 million and $25 million this year.