DAVAO’S durian is steadily earning recognition as a premium product that can compete with the best in the global market, an official from the Department of Agriculture XI said.
During the opening of the 12th Durian Festival on Friday, Aug. 7, DA XI regional executive director Macario Gonzaga said that the greatest quality of Davao’s ”King of Fruits” lies in its quality.
He cited the recent trial shipment of 1.08 metric tons of fresh Puyat and Duyaya varieties to Muscat, Oman.
Gonzaga said the shipment reflects the growing international confidence in Davao-grown durian.
“This achievement reflects the increasing confidence of international buyers in the quality of Davao-grown durian and opens another promising market for our local producers,” Gonzaga stressed.
This development adds to the industry’s existing export destinations, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
Gonzaga emphasized the DA’s continued support for the fruit industry through facilitating market access, strengthening value chains, and empowering farmers through ease of access to technology and services.
“As I have always emphasized, I encourage our farmers, growers, and even our smallholder producers to continue producing high-quality fruits that meet local and international market standards,” he said.
Emmanuel Belvis of Belvis Durian and president of Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC) said the 12th Durian Festival not only showcases the fruit but also gives tribute to the farmers’ hard work and shared commitment to bring Philippine Durian to the global stage.
The trial shipment of fresh durian on July 27 was facilitated by Eng Seng Food Products, consisting of 56 boxes of fresh Puyat and Duyaya durian varieties produced by Belviz Farm in Barangay Wangan, Calinan, Davao City, bound to Jeel Almaaly International in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman.
Meanwhile, Consul General of China in Davao City Zhao Xiuzhen said the demand from the Chinese market continues to be a contributor to the durian industry.
Zhao said China imported about 1.86 million tons of fresh durian from various markets. This year, imports are expected to increase to two million tons.
The consul general added that three Davao-based durian exporters secured orders totaling $36.6 million during the 2025 China International Import Expo.
“These numbers speak for themselves. Durian has become a staple fruit in countless Chinese households across urban and rural areas nationwide,” she said.
She described Davao’s premium durian products as enjoying steady and promising market prospects in the Chinese market, and an indication of strengthening economic ties between China and the Philippines.
The Durian Festival will run until September 11.
