The Philippines has secured about USD290.71 billion in total sales of its tropical fruits at Asia Fruit Logistica2026.

The Philippine delegation joined the event alongside global attendees from 95 countries and regions in Hong Kong, with at least 760 exhibitors from 41 countries.

In particular, the Philippines logged more than USD222.75 million in booked sales and more than USD70.39 million in sales under negotiation for various high-value crops, including durian, banana, mangoes, and dragon fruit.

“Ang pinakamalaki ay sa durian (the highest sales is durian), USD206 million (in) booked sales. Tapos sa saging (Then banana), USD14 million – USD11 million for ordinary Cavendish, and then Cardaba or Saba is USD3 million,” DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said in a press briefing.

In terms of sales under negotiation, durian secured about USD68.78 million, and Cardaba bananas, USD424,075.

Dragon fruit and mangoes also gained their negotiated sales, amounting to USD1.02 million and USD170,800, respectively.

De Mesa attributed these international sales gains to intensified coordination between the government and local commercial farmers.

“Nagbubunga na ngayon itong mga gawain natin para lalo pang lumaki ‘yung kita ng ating mga magsasaka, lalo na iyong nasa high-value commercial crops (Our efforts are now bearing fruit, so that the profit of our farmers will further increase, especially those growing high-value commercial crops),” he said.

De Mesa said the DA will sustain efforts to boost Philippine exports in the global markets in the upcoming Hand-in-Hand (HIH) Initiative.

“We’ll be pitching mango, seaweeds, coffee, cacao for promotion ng ating (of our) agri products,” he said.

The DA delegation is set to go to Rome for the HIH Initiative in October. (PNA)