A second commercial shipment of fresh Philippine saba bananas has arrived in Auckland, further strengthening the country’s position in the New Zealand market and showing growing international demand for this locally popular fruit. Following the first successful export earlier this year, Davao City-based AVANTE Agri-Products Philippines Inc. sent a 40-foot refrigerated container holding 1,400 boxes of quality saba bananas to Fresh Produce Group NZ Ltd. Each box carries 12 kilograms of carefully packed fruit, prepared to maintain freshness and fully meet New Zealand’s strict food safety and quarantine rules. The maiden shipment reached its destination in perfect condition and was well received by buyers, confirming the high quality of Philippine-grown saba and paving the way for regular orders in the months ahead.
This development brings fresh opportunities for banana growers in Mindanao, who are working to expand beyond traditional export markets. Macario D. Gonzaga, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture, noted that the repeat order proves Davao’s banana sector can satisfy global standards while creating more livelihood for local farmers. He added that the achievement shows native Philippine crops have strong export potential, and authorities will continue efforts to widen market access, raise farm incomes, and establish the region as a trusted source of top-grade agricultural goods. The bananas come from accredited farms in Davao del Norte and were processed in facilities following all international requirements, reflecting improvements in the country’s fresh produce supply chain. AVANTE also recognized the combined efforts of farmers, industry partners, government agencies, and logistics teams that made the shipment possible.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the development as a positive sign of rising global interest in Philippine farm products. He said the Department of Agriculture will keep working to open more overseas markets to help farmers earn more, create jobs in rural areas, and build a stronger agricultural sector. Undersecretary for Export Philip Young explained that the shipment is part of broader plans to diversify export destinations and products. He noted that as international buyers look for high-quality specialty produce, crops like saba bananas can earn better prices abroad, expand the country’s export range, and build a more resilient agricultural industry. Each successful delivery helps build trust with foreign buyers and moves the country closer to securing stable markets and fairer earnings for Filipino farmers.
