PH Tropical Fruits Fetch Over $290M in Sales at HK Expo

Filipino export groups and growers generated US$290 million in sales for various tropical fruits during an expo in Hong Kong, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday. The DA returned to the Asia Fruit Logistica this year after almost a decade, as it pushes to expand Philippine fruit exports. The booked and negotiated sales generated were from Cavendish and Cardava (saba) bananas, durian, mangoes, and dragon fruit. “Actually, as of September 4, mayroon tayong generated sales na US $290 million. Ang pinakamalaki pala ay sa durian, $206 million. Tapos sa saging, $14 million—$11 million 'yung ordinary Cavendish, tapos 'yung Cardava or Saba ay $3 million,” said DA Arnel de Mesa in a press briefing. (Actually, as of September 4, we have generated US $290 million in sales. The largest portion turned out to be from durian, at $206 million. Then for bananas, $14 million — $11 million for ordinary Cavendish, and $3 million for Cardava or Saba.) “Tapos mayroon na ring negotiated sales sa mangga at sa dragon fruit. Lahat ito ay for export natin,” he added. (Then there are also negotiated sales for mangoes and dragon fruit. All of these are for our exports.) With the country’s participation in the exhibition held from September 2 to 4, the DA said that Filipino exhibitors were able to secure export deals with Hong Kong and New Zealand firms. “Ang magandang balita dito, dahil sa exhibition na ito, una, mayroong dalawang kontrata - one with Hong Kong, another one with New Zealand - for the export ng Cardava Banana o Saba na saging. Malalaking kumpanya ito,” said De Mesa. (The good news here is that because of this exhibition, first, there are two contracts — one with Hong Kong, another one with New Zealand — for the export of Cardava Banana or Saba bananas. These are big companies.) De Mesa said the DA will fly to Rome, Italy in October for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative. “Actually, ngayong October, lilipad kami sa Rome para dun sa Hand-in-Hand initiative. We'll be pitching 'yung mango, seaweeds, coffee, cacao for promotion ng ating agri-products,” said De Mesa. (Actually, this coming October, we will fly to Rome for the Hand-in-Hand initiative. We'll be pitching mango, seaweeds, coffee, [and] cacao to promote our agricultural products.) The country ended 2025 with a narrower agricultural trade deficit amid a surge in farm exports, led by tropical fruits coupled with softer imports. The DA said edible fruits and nuts, including citrus and melon peels, dominated exports at $329.72 million, accounting for 37% of total exports.