DURIAN Festival in Davao City.
DAVAO CITY – Davao’s durian industry is gaining ground in the international market following a recent trial shipment of 1.08 metric tons of fresh Puyat and Duyaya varieties to Muscat, Oman, according to Department of Agriculture–11.
DA–11 Regional Executive Director Macario Gonzaga said the shipment reflects growing international confidence in the quality of durian produced in Davao and could open another market for local growers and producers.
"The development adds to the industry’s existing export destinations, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea," Gonzaga said during the opening of the 12th Durian Festival at SM Lanang Fountain Court on Friday, Aug. 7.
Gonzaga said the latest export milestone underscores the importance of maintaining the quality of locally produced fruits to meet the standards of both domestic and international markets.
He emphasized the DA’s continued support for the fruit industry through programs aimed at improving productivity, market access, value chains, and farmers’ access to technology and services.
The official said Davao’s growing presence in overseas markets demonstrates the potential of its durian industry to compete globally while providing local producers with more opportunities to expand their market reach.
Consul General of China in Davao City Zhao Xiuzhen said the Chinese market remains a major driver of demand for Philippine durian.
Zhao said China imported about 1.86 million metric tons of fresh durian from various markets, with imports expected to exceed two million metric tons this year.
The Chinese diplomat cited the 2025 China International Import Expo where three Davao-based durian exporters secured orders totaling $36.6 million.
She described the deals as an indication of strengthening economic ties between China and the Philippines.
"Davao’s premium durian continues to have strong prospects in the Chinese market, where the fruit has become increasingly popular among consumers in both urban and rural areas," Zhao said.
Zhao said Chinese companies are also contributing capital, technology, and cold-chain management to Davao’s durian sector, helping strengthen the industry’s capacity to serve expanding markets.
DIADC President Emmanuel Belvis said the festival celebrates Davao’s agricultural abundance and the contribution of local farmers to the growth of the durian industry.
Belvis described the event as an opportunity to highlight Davao durian as a premium product while supporting efforts to bring Philippine durian to more international markets.
The opening ceremony was attended by Department of Tourism-11 Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan, Consul General of Malaysia in Davao City Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Davao Heinz Egli, Honorary Consul of Denmark in Davao Rowena Vida-Lisbona, SM Lanang Mall Manager Jezer Gutierrez, and Davao City Councilors Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz and Al-Ryan Alejandre, who represented City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte.
The event is organized through a partnership among DA-11, the Durian Industry Association of Davao City, the Davao City government, and SM Supermalls, showcasing Davao's durian industry and other agricultural products.