THE Philippines has expanded its Agricultural presence in the Middle East with the arrival of 1,500 boxes or 18 metric tons of premium MD2 pineapples in the United Arab Emirates, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday.
The pineapples — sourced from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato — arrived at the Port of Khor Fakkan on June 28. Davao-based exporter Mensch Fil-Am Trading arranged the shipment in collaboration with Avante Agri-Products Philippines Inc., while Octagon General Trading LLC assisted with the distribution in the UAE.
Following the shipment’s arrival, the DA’s Office of the Agricultural Attaché-Dubai held a ceremonial launch at Dubai’s Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market.
The event aims to open new markets, expand trade linkages and promote Philippine agricultural exports throughout the Middle East.
This brought together officials from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Dubai, and private sector partners that spearheaded the export initiative.
By working closely with the Philippine foreign service posts and the private sector, the agricultural attaché facilitates market access, connects exporters with foreign buyers and assists with market-entry requirements for Philippine farm products.
According to officials, regular shipments are expected every two weeks, noting persistent demand for premium fruits in one of the fastest-growing food import markets in the region.
The DA said this highlights the rising demand for Philippine fresh produce and the government’s efforts to diversify export markets.
The agency added that the recent export also reflects a broader plan to reduce reliance on traditional markets by expanding the country’s agricultural presence throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council, where growing populations, tourism and limited domestic agricultural output continue to drive demand for imported fresh produce.
The program aligns with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s plan to expand agricultural exports, enhance logistics and postharvest systems, and make Philippine high-value commodities more competitive internationally.
The export push also supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of modernizing agriculture and raising farmers’ incomes by expanding market access and strengthening agricultural value chains.
The DA’s Agricultural Attaché Office in Dubai is expected to play a bigger role in helping Philippine exporters expand their presence in the UAE and the wider Gulf region as the demand for premium tropical fruits continues to rise.
Stronger market access would translate to higher-value export opportunities and better income for Filipino farmers.