Philippine durian piques interest of Chinese market

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippines’ variety of Durian fruit gained strong interest from the Chinese market, as well as global food distributors during the recently concluded 20th China-ASEAN Export (CAEXPO) held at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Guangxi Province, China.

The Philippines raked in a total of US$10.36 million sales during the CAEXPO held last September 16-19 2023. Several of the 15 participating SMEs (small and medium enterprises) also successfully booked orders on top of their onsite retail performance.

The fresh durian proved to be the most lucrative among the product offerings from the Philippine merchants, which comprised more than half of the sales total at US$5.4M, followed by natural-based drink options (calamansi and energy drinks) and banana chips, contributing more than US$1.0M each.

In April of 2023, the Philippines successfully delivered its first shipment of fresh durian to China, signaling the activation of the agreement for direct market access between the countries during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in January 2023.

According to CITEM, the top sales performance at CAEXPO 2023 of durian exhibitors from both retail and wholesale buyers reinforced the growing demand for local durian variety in the global market.

The CITEM statement mentioned that the Puyat variety from Davao boasts a richer flavor profile than its regional counterparts with its creaminess on top of its expected sweetness.

The Philippine participation is part of the country’s long-standing relations with top export trading partner China, whose import activities are valued to reach more than US$5.0 trillion in the next five years, said Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) executive director Edward Fereira.

The Philippines joined 42 other countries that made up the 1,953 exhibitors and companies present at the 20th CAEXPO this year. Of the total, 644 came from the ASEAN while non-ASEAN countries reached 738.

“Partnerships are key. The stronger we make these relationships work, the better our prospects for enhanced export trade development,” Fereira pointed out.

Fereira acknowledged that business continuity with China bolsters not just the growth and success of the Philippine export industry, it also signifies the commitment to sustain overall goodwill between the two countries, as well as bridging more strategic partnerships within Asia and other regions.

The 15 Philippine exhibitors that contributed to the USD10.36M country sales are, for food: Brics Ventures, Dataj Aquafarm Inc., Enature Energy Drinks Philippines Inc., Eng Seng Food Products, Lighthouse Cooperative, OneAsia Trader, Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc., Soyuz Foods International Inc., and 22 Propack Asia Corporation; for non-food: BDO Unibank Inc., Bebebalm, Inc., Jegen S.W.E. Enterprises, Kitsilver, Santa Praxedes Sarakat Women Weavers Association, and R&V Fly Global Travel and Tours.

Aside from the successful showcase of local exhibitors and networking activities with fellow exhibitors and buyers, the four-day exposition also created a comprehensive learning experience.

Various engagements with top officials and trade authorities of participating countries were conducted, with the Philippines leading its own investment forum activities with the country’s head of delegation and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo.

With CITEM as organizing lead, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and representatives from partner agencies including City of Charm (COC) Tuguegarao City discussed a portfolio of business and direct investment opportunities for the international market.

Meanwhile, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga focused on the country’s thrust in addressing the challenges of climate change, amidst embracing digital technology to further economic growth and simultaneously bring about safer and more sustainable business environments. The delegation also partook in meetings for potential global business ventures in the infra and tech sector, as well as other activities toward more regional investment cooperation during the CAEXPO.

The next CAEXPO, the 21st edition, is slated for September 23-26, 2024. Meanwhile, this year’s Philippine participation also serves as part of its preparation as the Country of Honor at the CAEXPO in 2025.

Under the banner Partner Philippines, the country is positioned as a sourcing

destination for finely crafted home, fashion, and lifestyle products and quality food and ingredients in the healthy, organic, natural, and specialty food categories for the world market. It markets the creativity and artisanship of a globally competitive community of Filipino brands and manufacturers. — (FREEMAN)