The country’s first-ever frozen durian shipment to China signaled a significant step forward for the country’s agricultural trade. The shipment, consisting of 1,050 boxes of frozen durian meat and 300 boxes of durian paste wortht P8.2 million departed from Davao-based Maylong Enterprises Corp. on 11 February and should reach Guangzhou’s Nansha District this week.
This marks the first approval by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China for a Philippine company to export frozen durian products, highlighting a key achievement for the Philippines’ agriculture sector. Macario Gonzaga, executive director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Davao Region, emphasized the significance of the milestone, noting that it represents not just a business venture but the hopes and aspirations of local farmers.
The export initiative has broader economic implications, positioning the Philippines as a rising exporter in the global durian market. May Li, chief operating officer of Maylong Enterprises, said the company aims to “bridge the gap between local farmers and the global stage,” ensuring that Philippine durian gains the international recognition it deserves.
Local industry leaders have underscored the importance of maintaining stringent production standards to preserve the quality and reputation of Philippine durian. Emmanuel Belviz, president of the Durian Industry Association of Davao City, stressed the need for quality control to safeguard the country’s global reputation. Likewise, Larry Miculob, president of the Durian Exporters Association of the Philippines, highlighted durian’s role in sustainable agriculture and its importance to national pride.
The country’s durian production is on the rise, with the Philippine Statistics Authority reporting a 5.6 percent increase in output to 78,284.57 metric tons (MT) in 2023, up from only 74,158.36 MT in 2022. The success of this first frozen durian shipment is expected to fuel further growth in the sector, opening up new trade opportunities for local farmers and exporters alike.
