Manila, Sept. 23 -- The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) reported Wednesday that its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) facilitated the first export shipment of Frozen Whole Steamed Saba (Cardava banana) to Australia on Sept. 22.

In a statement, DA-11 regional technical director for operations Marie Ann Constantino said the initial shipment of 7,000 kilograms of steamed Cardava bananas, processed by Golden Flavours, is scheduled to sail on Oct. 3 and tentatively arrive in Australia on Nov. 3.

The bananas, harvested at 90 to 100 percent maturity, are blast-frozen at -18 degrees C, giving the product a shelf life of up to one year.

Constantino said the initiative stemmed from the Sabah Internationa...