The Ube in Germany project is a flagship initiative of the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt that brings the rich, vibrant essence of Filipino culture to Europe through one of its most iconic agricultural treasures: ube (purple yam). This multifaceted program is designed not only to celebrate the cultural significance of ube in the Filipino identity but also to catalyze economic growth and sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines.
At its core, the Ube in Germany project aims to stimulate the Philippine ube industry by enhancing production capabilities, improving supply chain systems, and encouraging the development of high-value ube-based products—particularly those that meet the rising demand for organic and natural food products in Germany and across Europe. Through close collaboration with local farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and food innovators, the initiative seeks to establish the Philippines as a reliable source of premium-quality organic ube products on the international stage.
Beyond its economic goals, the project embraces ube’s deep-rooted place in Filipino heritage. Ube is more than just a crop; it is a cherished ingredient woven into family traditions, celebrations, and everyday Filipino life. Through strategic cultural promotion, the Ube in Germany project seeks to strengthen the Filipino branding of ube—highlighting its unique story, traditional uses, and emotional resonance for Filipinos at home and abroad.
The initiative also mobilizes the Filipino diaspora in Germany and Europe as vital partners in this endeavor. By engaging overseas Filipinos as advocates, investors, and market-builders, the project fosters a strong sense of community ownership and empowers the diaspora to play a direct role in supporting Filipino farmers and uplifting rural livelihoods.
Ultimately, Ube in Germany is more than an export initiative—it is a platform for sustainable development, cultural pride, and global Filipino connection. It invites everyone—Filipino and non-Filipino alike—to experience the vibrant taste and meaning of ube, and to take part in a movement that benefits both the palate and the people behind the product.
What is ube?
Ube (purple yam or dioscorea alata), is a root crop commonly grown in the Philippines that has become known worldwide for its vibrant purple color.
Ube is known for its nutty and creamy taste and distinctive color, and can be eaten boiled, baked, roasted or fried, as well as processed into jams and powders that can then also be used for the preparation of food such as ice cream, cakes, pastries, salads, breads, and other desserts.
Ube is an excellent source of dietary fiber and antioxidants that prevent cancer. It is also rich in carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, and phytonutrients, and can aid in regulating metabolism, improving heart function, and improving cholesterol levels.
For Filipinos, Ube is not just a trend but an undeniable part of Filipino culture and heritage. Many Filipinos grow up with strong memories of consuming ube during fiestas, Christmas, and other special occasions, and the association between ube and celebration is enduring.
Ube Fiesta in Germany
In 2022, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, in partnership with the Filipino Community in Bonn, organized the first Ube Fiesta in Germany as a means of bringing together and empowering the local Filipino community after the COVID-19 pandemic and contentious elections.
Today, the Ube Fiesta in Germany has grown into a dynamic, community-led annual cultural diplomacy initiative that helps forge strong partnerships with and among Filipino groups and organizations across Germany to highlight Filipino culture, identity, and gastronomy while strengthening Filipino-German ties.
For more information about this year’s Ube Fiesta in Germany, click here.
Directory of Filipino Ube Exporters
For a directory of Filipino exporters exporting ube products to various parts of the world, click here.