DAVAO CITY – An exhibitor from the Davao Region generated $6.4 million in sales at the ongoing 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) reported Friday.
DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga said the delegation witnessed the signing of a sales contract between Fruta Asiatica Export and Agri Trading and the Weihai Pure Fruit Food Technology Co., Ltd., for the purchase of 2,000 metric tons of fresh durian.
“This demonstrates how our local producers can thrive in the global arena when given the right market linkages and institutional support,” Gonzaga said in a statement.
Fruta Asiatica specializes in fresh fruits and agricultural products, including durian and bananas, sourced from the Davao Region.
It has extensive trading experience in China, Korea, and the United States, among others.
Gonzaga described the partnership as a major milestone in boosting the export of premium durian from the region, highlighting DA’s continuous efforts to link local agribusinesses with global markets.
“DA will continue to bridge opportunities that empower our farmers and strengthen the competitiveness of Mindanao’s agri-products,” he said.
Ten exhibitors represented the region at the six-day expo, which will end Nov. 10, showcasing the richness, diversity and high quality of Mindanao’s agricultural products.
The others are Maylong Enterprises Corp., Engseng Food Products, Avante Agri Products Phils. Inc., Ed-Mar Agricultural Ventures Co. Ltd., Gold Standards Farms Inc., VJT Enterprises, Xiang Tai Fruits and Vegetables Corporation, BJM-Plouteo Agricultural Export Trading, and Ahya Coco Organic Food.
The local durian industry began gaining traction in April 2023, when DA-11 shipped 18 metric tons of durian to China, introducing varieties such as Puyat, D-101, Cob, and Duyaya to the vast Chinese market.
