PH Fruits Score Over $290M in Deals at Asia's Premier Produce Show

The Philippines has made a remarkable comeback at Asia Fruit Logistica, Asia’s leading fresh produce trade show, securing over $290 million in sales for agricultural products after an almost decade-long absence. The Philippine delegation participated in the event, held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from September 2 to 4, showcasing high-value export crops including Cavendish and Cardava bananas, fresh durian, fresh and frozen mangoes, dragon fruit, and pomelo. The Department of Agriculture (DA) stated that the participation aimed to open more overseas markets for Philippine high-value export crops, build commercial partnerships, and gather market intelligence to help exporters meet international demand and standards. This return to the event is expected to enhance export competitiveness by assisting producers in aligning with international grading and quality standards, strengthening market intelligence, and deepening public-private cooperation, according to the DA. Of the total sales, $222.75 million were booked sales, while the remaining $70.39 million is still under negotiation. Durian recorded the highest sales at $275.01 million, followed by Cavendish banana ($11 million) and Cardava banana ($3.5 million). Dragon fruit sales totaled $1.02 million, and mango sales amounted to $170,800. "Our efforts are now bearing fruits, resulting in higher income for our farmers, especially those cultivating high-value crops," said Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa. Agriculture Undersecretary Philip Young has been very active in promoting agricultural commodities, particularly tropical fruits, to the global market in partnership with private companies. Key agricultural groups promoted their respective produce at the event. The Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association and the Philippines Banana Council Inc. exhibited Cavendish bananas, while the Durian Exporters Association of the Philippines Inc. showcased fresh durian. The National Mango Farmers and Stakeholders Federation Inc. featured fresh and frozen mangoes, while the Philippine Dragon Fruit Growers Association promoted fresh dragon fruit. Young stated that the trade show aims to translate product showcases into concrete business opportunities, positioning local farm produce at the forefront of international trade. "We are participating not merely to exhibit but to forge durable global partnerships, secure vital market shares, and showcase the unmatched quality of our high-value export crops," he said. The Philippine delegation is set to promote agricultural goods at the Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative Investment Forum in Rome, Italy, from October 13 to 16. Mangoes, seaweeds, coffee, and cacao will be pitched at the event, to be held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations headquarters. The country's participation in Asia Fruit Logistica comes as the government targets to reduce its agricultural trade deficit through increased exports. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the need to address the significant annual deficit. "We cannot afford to remain a country with an annual agricultural trade deficit of around $11 billion. That is a huge amount of resources that could otherwise support investments in agriculture, including irrigation," Laurel said. While the agricultural goods trade deficit stood at $11.12 billion in 2025, it decreased by 5 percent, marking the lowest shortfall since 2021. However, in July alone this year, the farm trade deficit reached $1.19 billion, a 23.7 percent increase from the previous year. This was the highest since March this year, at $1.26 billion. "Opening more overseas markets is not just about increasing exports. It is about giving our farmers bigger, more reliable markets, raising the value of their products and bringing more income to rural communities," Tiu Laurel added. Source: Inquirer Business