The Philippine fruit industry looks set to reach new heights as new business plans are prepared to help lift export sales.

Based on a recently prepared plan, exporters of mango, bananas, pineapple and other fruits, and support groups in government under the Export Development Council (EDC) are aiming for double digit growth rate in two years from base sales of US$857 million in 2002.

The plan focuses on fresh and processed fruit preparations because of the vast potential of this area, but central to the export offensive strategy is finding niche markets in neighbouring economies in East Asia, namely China and South Korea.

The United Arab Emirates, parts of the US and northern Europe are also pinpointed for expansion.