By Nova Mae Francas
DAVAO CITY-BASED exporter Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc has secured a deal with two international distributors of Philippine Saba bananas.
Philippine Saba (Cardava) bananas are set to reach new international markets with the signed deal during Asia Fruit Logistica (AFL) Hong Kong 2026 on Sept. 2.
Asia Fruit Logistica 2026 is Asia’s leading annual fresh produce trade show in Hong Kong.
Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc signed Supply and Purchase Agreements with Cozy and Korner Trading Co. of Hong Kong, as well as Fresh Produce Group (FPG) Limited of New Zealand.
Under the agreements, Cozy and Korner Trading Co. will serve as the exclusive distributor of Philippine Saba bananas in Hong Kong, while FPG Limited will serve as the exclusive importer and distributor in New Zealand.
“The agreements strengthen trade linkages between Philippine exporters and international buyers and create new market opportunities for Philippine agricultural products, particularly premium export-quality Saba bananas,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI said.
The signing was among the highlights of the Philippines’ participation in AFL 2026, where Philippine fruit industry associations promote the country’s agricultural products and explore potential international market partners.
Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), Durian Exporters Association of the Philippines (DEAP), Philippines Banana Council, Inc., National Mango Farmers and Stakeholders Federation Inc., and the Philippine Dragon Fruit Growers Association also joined the Philippine delegation.
“Through its participation in AFL 2026, the Philippines continues to strengthen its presence in the global fresh produce industry, opening more opportunities for Filipino farmers, exporters, and agribusinesses,” the agency said.
To note, DA XI shipped to Auckland, New Zealand, on July 11, for Fresh Produce Group NZ Ltd., of New Zealand, fresh Saba/Cardava bananas sourced directly from accredited farms in Davao del Norte.
The shipment consists of a 40-foot refrigerated container carrying 1,400 boxes of bananas, with each box weighing 12 kilograms.
On July 24, Cardava bananas and singkamas (yam bean) from Davao Region, with a total volume of 17.20 metric tons, were also shipped to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The shipment was exported by accredited exporter GERB Golden Hands Corporation.
DA emphasized the continued export expansion, international exposure, and opportunities for Davao Region’s agricultural products.
Aside from Saba bananas, Avante Agri Products Philippines Inc. also ships pineapples to Singapore, and the recent export of fresh pineapples was to the United Arab Emirates on June 6.
