The Philippines restricts fresh ube exports as the purple-yam craze strains supply
One of the world's most Instagrammable ingredients became so globally popular that its home country moved to protect planting stock and domestic supply.
The Philippines imposed an indefinite restriction on exports of fresh ube, the vivid purple yam that has become a global cafe and dessert trend.
Processed and frozen ube can still be exported, but officials say demand for fresh roots and planting material has begun to outpace supply.
Why it matters
Ube has moved from a Filipino staple to a globally fashionable ingredient. That popularity is now affecting farmers, prices and who gets access to the crop itself.
The tension
The restriction may help protect domestic planting stock, but overseas businesses built around fresh ube could face higher prices or shortages while producers in other countries expand cultivation.