Country signals major export push as consignment of MD2 pineapples from Mindanao embarks on new commercial route to UAE
The Philippines says it plans to make a “significant push” in the Middle East fruit market, as a new service to deliver premium fresh pineapples from Mindanao makes its way to the United Arab Emirates.
On 6 June at Unifrutti Port in Davao City, officials from the country’s Department of Agriculture attended an official send-off ceremony for a consignment of pineapples bound for Khorfakkan Port – understood to be the only fully operational terminal in the UAE outside the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the department said the fruit’s journey via commercial shipping vessel – despite severe logistical bottlenecks – had reopened a “vital pathway” into the Middle Eastern region.
The shipment, which is expected to arrive around 25-26 June, was organised by exporter Mensch Fil-Am, represented at the ceremony by its president Racquel Simon.
It reportedly consists of 18 tonnes of MD2 pineapples packed in 1,500 boxes, and sourced from farms in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority suggests pineapples are now “the country’s top export” to the UAE.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr described the milestone as a “strategic step” in expanding overseas markets for Philippine agricultural products while creating broader economic benefits for farming communities.
“Every box of Philippine produce that reaches a new or existing market represents more income for farmers, more jobs for workers, and more value created at home,” he said. “That is why we are aggressively pursuing new export opportunities for Philippine agriculture.”
He added: “Our goal is not merely to export more products but to build a stronger and more competitive farm sector where Filipino farmers directly benefit from global market opportunities.”
