The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the maiden commercial shipment of premium Philippine pineapples from Davao City to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant breakthrough into the Middle East market amid global supply chain challenges.
A send-off ceremony was held at Unifrutti Port in Davao City, led by the Bureau of Plant Industry and DA officials. Organized by exporter Mensch Fil-Am Corp., the cargo carries 18 metric tons of premium MD2 pineapples — packed in 1,500 boxes and sourced from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The shipment is expected to arrive at Khorfakkan Port between June 25 and 26.
DA Assistant Secretary for Regulations Arnel de Mesa and Bureau of Plant Industry Director Dr. Gerald Glenn Panganiban led the ceremony, highlighting this as a strategic step to expand overseas markets and deliver direct economic gains to farming communities in the Davao region.
“Each export shipment translates to higher farm incomes, more local jobs, and greater value addition,” the DA said, emphasizing that the government’s focus goes beyond volume to building a competitive, inclusive agricultural sector.
This breakthrough comes amid persistent supply chain disruptions and high freight costs caused by the ongoing Red Sea crisis, highlighting both the resilience of Philippine exporters and the rising global standing of the country’s high-value crops. The successful delivery also confirms full compliance with strict international phytosanitary rules and UAE import standards, clearing the way for future shipments across the Gulf region.
Beyond trade, the initiative is seen as a catalyst for stronger Philippines-UAE ties and a gateway to wider Middle East opportunities. Official data shows the country produced 2.87 million metric tons of pineapples in 2025, making market expansion even more critical for the sector.
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The successful pineapple shipment from Davao City serves as a proud moment for Mindanao’s agricultural sector, demonstrating that Philippine farmers and exporters can compete on the global stage while contributing to local economic growth and job creation in the region.